Category Archives: Tips

Featured, Tips

Cheer Bow Trends of 2019

Posted on by Linda Martinez
Cheer Bow Trends 2019
18
Dec
Linda Circle

Linda Martinez 1

By Linda Martinez

Updated December 18, 2018

Build a Bowtique has always tried to stay ahead of bow trends and as a result, we have even been known to start some of the biggest trends in cheerleading bows.

Traditional Big Bows are still popular for many of our customers. They come in three sizes; 3 inch, 2.25 inch, and 1.5 inch. Pigtails are sized at 1.5 inch and many teams use them for their tinies and even their American Girl dolls. Mini and Youth teams often wear the 2.25 inch sized bows, with the 3 inch bows being worn for Junior and Senior teams.

Over the last two years the trend of bows without tails has exploded. This season over 1/3 of our customers have gone tailless. Tailless bows come in three sizes: Pigtails, 3 inch, and 4 inch. The most popular size for Tiny and Mini teams is the 3 inch tailless. Many teams want even smaller for a set of pigtails. The pigtail sets are the smallest size tailless bows we make. The 4 inch tailless bows are worn mostly by Junior and Senior teams.

One of our most favorite bow trends has been the removable velcro centers. We created a way for teams to wear the same bow with all kinds of different looks. Teams can add a name or special design to their bows with a removable center that is attached to the bow with velcro. These can also be customized per event that a team travels to in order to give them a special look for any specific competition they travel to.

Cuffs You Hit Zero

This coming season many teams have chosen to go with one of our many other options. There has been a big leap to Rhinestone Genie Cuffs and flexible Rhinestone Ponytail cuffs that fall within the USASF safety guidelines. These can be made in a variety of designs and colors.

Believe it or not a major trend from the 80’s has come back full force! New this season you will see many teams of all ages sporting scrunchies. We have seen a rise in custom logo scrunchies for practice wear as well as fully blinged out scrunchies for competition. There are many options for scrunchie designs and the trend seems to be sticking.

Cheer Scrunchie You Hit Zero

As a trendsetter, Build a Bowtique loves to create new ideas and bring coaches dreams to reality.

Linda Martinez Signature@4x

Featured, News, Tips

How to properly train for a “Full Out”

Posted on by Matt Kelley
How To Properly Train For A “full Out”
06
Dec
Ipp Contributor Matt Kelley

Matt Kelley Byline

By Matt Kelley

Published on December 6, 2018

One of the biggest & most controversial questions in the Cheerleading World….”How to properly train for a Full Out?”  There are so many variables that come with this question:

All while needing to maintain TECHNIQUE!   As a Cheerleader my self for more than 15 years, and a Coach of 15 years, these are some of my suggestions to help!

Safety Mobile

One of the most important things to maintain, Safety, is to properly have the skill before performing it in a routine/practice.  Being able to do the skill multiple times, while maintaining technique!

As a coach, I make my athletes over rotate their skills when training them in a Private Lesson or Tumbling Class.  Weird right?

Here is my theory:

If I am training to stick & stand a Standing tuck in my tumbling class, but in the routine, the Standing tuck is 45 seconds into the routine…I might fall forward.  So I suggest, training the Skill to OverRotate.  This also helps with getting your chest up when landing the skill.

Preparing the body physically

is MAJOR KEY!

 As stated above, skills can be performed separately, with ease.  But as we know, a cheer routine is 2 minutes and 30 seconds of Non Stop Physical skills.  I am a firm believer in making sure the athletes body is Physically Strong enough to do the skills.  Working out (depending on the level) 2-3 days outside/after practice are incredibly important.

The higher the level, the more conditioning you should do for your body.  In a perfect world, it would be great to land that 3 to double full to the front every time.  But when running multiple sections and/or full outs, it doesn’t always work out that way. Your body must be strong enough to with stand some of those (hopefully never) incomplete spins.

Strength
Strength

What body parts should I focus on to work out?  I suggest Core, Explosive Leg movements, Arm Strength and also Calves.  I post different work outs & conditioning drills on my snapchat Mkells5891 every week.

Higher level gymnasts will condition 30-45 minutes before their practices 4-5 times a week.  Not only does this help them gain New Skills, but also be strong enough to perform the ones they are currently competing.

Speaking of gymnast…I reached out to my long time friend, Olympic Gymnast Jonathan Horton, to ask him how he trained.  If you don’t know who he is, here are a few of his stats:

Jonathan

Jonathan horton

  • 2-Time Olympian (2008 & 2012)
  • Bronze & Silver Olympic Medalist
  • World Bronze All-Arounder
  • 2-Time US National Champion
  • 6-Time NCAA National Champion
  • 4-Time American Ninja Warrior Competitor
  • NBC Broadcast Analyst
  • Author
Jonathan Mobile 3

Jonathan horton

  • 2-Time Olympian (2008 & 2012)
  • Bronze & Silver Olympic Medalist
  • World Bronze All-Arounder
  • 2-Time US National Champion
  • 6-Time NCAA National Champion
  • 4-Time American Ninja Warrior Competitor
  • NBC Broadcast Analyst
  • Author

Here were a few questions I asked him, when it came to preparing to do his full out routines properly:

Here were a few questions I asked him, when it came to preparing to do his full out routines properly:

When you trained your floor routine (tumbling), did you always do it straight on the floor…or onto Mats or into a pit?

75% of my tumbling was done with safety measures. Either I was tumbling into the pit, resi pit, or I used mats on the floor. Tumbling takes an extreme toll on the body over time, and although our pride wants us to go all out on the real surface, it’s important to protect ourselves first. If you do enough repetitions onto safe surfaces, most athletes won’t feel like it’s necessary to do as many numbers later.

How often did you Practice?  How often did you condition your body?

In my prime I trained twice a day. I did morning conditioning for 2 hours on M,W,F, but 6 days a week I did a 4 hour routine training workout in the afternoon. Even on days that I didn’t have morning strength and conditioning, I did some light conditioning in the afternoons everyday. It’s important to keep every muscle group moving. Even on light days it’s important to stretch muscle groups or even do a couple of light reps just for muscle memory.

Was your conditioning things directed towards strengthening things to improve your floor routine & keep your body safe?

I did a lot of “get stronger” conditioning, which involved some brutal workouts that tore me down pretty bad, but the majority of my strength and conditioning was for general body strength and cardio ability. It’s important to cycle in an out of different types of conditioning. Athletes that are always trying to see “gains” will eventually injure themselves because our bodies have to recover.

Yhz Jonathan
How often would you do a REAL Full our floor routine? Monthly, Weekly etc?  And why that number?

We tumbled 3 days/week, but we only did routines when we were in season. During season we would do anywhere from 1-3 routines in a 45min session. Off season training just required a lot of strength training and tumbling into the pit to learn new skills.

How often would you do a REAL Full our floor routine? Monthly, Weekly etc?  And why that number?

We tumbled 3 days/week, but we only did routines when we were in season. During season we would do anywhere from 1-3 routines in a 45min session. Off season training just required a lot of strength training and tumbling into the pit to learn new skills.

Going back to question 4, did that give you the longevity in gymnastics and the ability to compete in the Olympics 3 times?

My longevity came from a well thought out game plan that relied on putting how my body felt over results. Results ’now’  driven people will burn out versus someone who sees the long term game can last a long time. No matter what, our bodies will break down overtime, but being smart and listening to what our bodies are telling us can keep us in the game a while.

Awesome to get some tips from a former Olympic Gymnast!  .

Moving forward, let’s talk about Mental Toughness.  Some Coaches & Athletes would agree this one is the most difficult to master.  I believe it’s Extremely important to have a Balance of Physical Strength & Mental Strength.  

What are the best ways to Master the Mental toughness that a certain Skill or Full Out brings?

  • Proper Progression of the Skill
  • Good Reps—Do the skill multiple times with perfect technique

Once you have mastered those things, it’s time to start training them with small routine sections.  Here are a couple examples:

  1. Cut the routine into 5 different sections.  Do each one 2-3 times with perfection. Throughout practice, note what section had mistakes, and at the end, focus on details with the skills in that Section.  As these 5 sections get easier, break it down to 4, then 3, then 2 & then 1.
  2. Divide the Routine into a Stunt Routine & a Tumble Routine.  You can do 3 of the Stunt Routines, then 3 of the Tumble Routines.  You can also do the Stunt Routine, then Tumble routine back to back multiple times.
  3. Let’s say you are a level 5 Worlds Team.  You could do Tucks for all tumbling and do the stunts & jumps full out.  This is a great way to push your endurance and focus on building elements.
  4. Some coaches like to make it a game, which makes it more fun for the athletes.  You could have a wheel to spin, and have different elements of the routine on the wheel:  All Stunts, All Tumbling, 1st half, no jumps etc.
Mental Toughness

Those are just a few examples.  Closing out, I wanna conclude with some of our main points when Preparing Properly for a Full Out  

Perfect

  • Perfection of each skill individually

  • Proper Progression of the routine, which will help with building confidence

  • Strength & Endurance of the body.  Making sure to condition outside of practice.  

Shout out to Jonathan Horton for the interview.  

 

Be on the look out for his new book coming out December 4th,

“If I had known”

 

Thanks again for reading my article.  

Hope this helped everyone! Message me what you would like to have me write about next!

Matt Kelley Signature Full

PHOTO CREDITS:  ADRIAN KRAUS

Featured, Tips

Completion Mode Vs Performance Mode: Answering the age-old question of ‘Why don’t my flyers perform in the air’

Posted on by catweeden
Ipp Cheer Flyers
19
Nov

Youhitzero Logo Blanca Y Negro Butt


Youhitzero Logo Blanca Y Negro Butt


Cat Weeden Circle

Cat Weedon

 

Published November 19, 2018


Ipp By Linrd Short


Completion Mode Vs Performance Mode


Answering the age-old question of
‘Why don’t my flyers perform in the air’


Of all the valuable lessons I have learned through trial and lots of error in coaching, Completion Mode vs Performance Mode may be the most important. In an industry that not only puts a lot of emphasis on the aesthetic, but also assigns it a competitive value (performance, technique, creativity, showmanship, overall impression scores), teams scores don’t just depend on what they do, they depend on how they do it.


Ipp Cheer Flyers 2


As one of the creators and administrators of the Small Cheer Gym Association Facebook group, which is a fb community dedicated to Small Gym owners and coaches, the question, in many forms, that is asked constantly is “Why don’t my flyers perform in the air?” Its usually followed up with “they are flexible, work hard, the group is good enough to nail the stunt, but for some reason they never turn it on and create ‘A Show.’


For me the answer to this question lies in asking yourself are the focused-on Completion of the Stunt or the Performance of the stunt. Because it’s very hard for kids to do both.


In LuxeLand (the Luxe Cheer universe lol) we define being in Completion mode as: when the stunt group is concerned mainly with making it through the stunt. They are actively focused on getting from the starting point of the stunt or pyramid to the end.

  • The completion phase will vary per group on the team.

  • Some may be out of this phase fast, while others stay in it for a while.

  • In this phase they do not trust that they can make it to the end without concentration on every moving part of the stunt and most likely there’s one or two sticky parts of the sequence that they repeatedly miss.


Ipp Cheer Flyers 3


The most important thing to take away from being in completion mode, is that it will almost ALWAYS lead to:



  • A lack of timing across groups

  • Inaccurate building formations

  • Inconsistent performance from your flyers.

  • Increased stress or anxiety from the group or team



When the athletes are concentrating on just making it through, it leaves no room for details, faces, and growth. And the longer they stay in this place, the more likely you are going to start seeing bad attitudes, frustration, and anxiety from your team members.


As coaches, we put a lot of pressure and stress on ourselves to create and compete the most perfect, win-able routine from the start. We know the grids, the rubrics, the magic numbers and who our competitors are. And we know what skills it takes to be unstoppable. We also know the full potential of the kids in our programs. But knowing their full potential, or how they need to be pushed can cripple us.


So how do we get out of Completion Mode and move into Performance Mode???


1. EDITS


Modify the stunt or section of the pyramid that is causing the issue. If 2 out of the 3 groups have no problem with it, leave theirs and take out the 3rd. Knowing your magic numbers (the number you must hit in that section to score in the range you are going for) helps this tremendously. MAKE THE EDIT


2. KEEP THE KIDS IN THE LOOP


When you modify, explain. “Suzie, were going to take out your switch up lib and just do a straight up one for this event. We only need 2 not 3 to score high and I really need you to focus on nailing the dismount.” The older the team, the more likely they believe they know the scoresheet, remind them that their job is to trust your edits. Trust your gut and your edits.


3. REPETITION WITH POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT


Once you modify and get them on board, repetition is key! Have them do the modified section numerous times and point out the good, you as the coach, need to get excited for the good. Help them celebrate the little achievements and growth.


4. MAKE IT FUN!


Games, contests and candy will make superstars out of your tinys all the way up to your open college level athletes. Break up the monotony.


5. REMEMBER NOT TO MAKE YOUR ROUTINE ABOUT A SINGLE KID, SKILL OR SELECTION


If Suzie cannot hit a skill, or will not throw it, take it out and move on. I know it can be so frustrating, but you are letting the one skill or section define the whole team. You may not be in the range you want if you pull a skill, but what’s the likelihood it will be done correctly, if at all, on a competition day? Find another place on the scoresheet to make up what you lost. I.e Lose .2 in standing tumbling difficulty but gain .3 in technique with the ones who are solid.

Ipp Cheer Flyers 4


Once the kids KNOW they can all hit the routine that’s in front of them, you will immediately see a difference. The anxiety of uncertainty is what keeps them from rising to their full performance potential.


Ipp-logo-cheer-music-red



Cat Weeden Signature Full Wht

Featured, News, Tips

Objectifying a Subjective Sport – How I get such Precision and Timing

Posted on by Cody Woodfell
Objectifying A Subjective Sport Blog Title
06
Nov

Cody Circle
Cody Woodfell 2

By Cody Woodfell

Published November 6, 2018

objectifying a subjective sport

How I get such precision and timing


 After doing many coaches workshops from the US to the UK, one of the main questions I’m asked is how I get such precision and timing that stand out from all my Cheer Factory teams. The answer is actually extremely simple. So simple In fact most coaches fail to do it. Make a chart! And don’t stray from it.


Cody Blog 1


There’s an innate problem with all non point based sports like cheerleading and dance (to name a couple). The problem is everything from training to competition is subjective. “Yeah I know you had a good practice today because everything hit.” Thats great, but not only did everything hit not accomplish quantifiable results, but how do you track the process for next practice?



“everything from training to competition is subjective”


Anything in life that one wants to become better in requires a chart. If you own a business, you keep charts in the form of spreadsheets of how much money you take in, how much your spending.

If you want to lose weight, you keep a chart of how much food goes in and how many calories your burning. How precise and detailed you are will determine how much success you have.


Cody Blog 2


The Assembly Line

Knowing this, I left the common practice regimes most coaches follow and created a detailed, objectify able progress chart we call the “Assembly line” for every skill from tumbling to stretching to stunting. Every practice, an objective goal is made and must be completed before leaving.

Stunts no longer just “hit.” No, today every stunt group flyer must point their toes when hitting bows and not wiggle even an inch for a count down of 5.

Next practice we have to do the same but now the bases cannot move even a finger. This process continues everyday for a season like a long game of add on.


RELATED:



RELATED:


Practice Scheduling, Attendance & Motivation

By Cat Weeden      


Cody Blog 3


Cody Blog 3 Mobile


Thinking about the big picture blurs your perfection. Make a single achievable small goal daily, stick to it as if your life depends on it and do that every day. Keep a chart of these micro goals and eventually, perfection will be achieved.


Cody Woodfell Signature White

CHEER FACTORY, owner-operator

Tips

Beat the October Money Pit

Posted on by catweeden
Beat The October Money Pit
22
Oct

Cat Weeden Circle

By Cat Weeden

Published October 22, 2018

Beat the October Money Pit

As we kick off the new season, the excitement of finished routines, uniforms arriving, new bows and impeding competitions is in the air.

The kids are pumped, the parents are starting to see it come together, and the coaches know that every practice were one step closer to the routines of our dreams. Everyone is so excited, except the front office/ownership of the gym!   Because October = Money Pit month in Allstar cheer

Competition deposits are due NOW, new/Fill-in Uniforms need to be paid for yesterday, teams are practicing extra, which means payroll is higher than normal and we are getting just close enough to the holidays that payments are coming in late/delayed.

Menu-logo-1


This time of the year can be very overwhelming if you choose to let it be.

This time of the year can be very overwhelming if you chose to let it be. I challenge you to rise above the October Money Pit and stabilize yourself financially by creating additional income streams within your gym. Semi-Private Lessons, Parent Fitness Classes, Birthday Parties and Gym rentals are all great, fast ways to increase your gyms income.

Beat The October Money Pit


Semi-Private Lessons

Find any 30 minute to an hour holes in your coaches or your schedule. During those open times set up a 3-4 person lesson at $10-15 per kid. If staff work it, pay them their regular wage during the lesson. Make the Lessons skill specific (Backwalkovers, Back Handsprings, Tucks, Jumps, etc).  If you can put 4 of these in place your gym could bring in an additional $200 a week.


October Money Pit 3


Parent Fitness Classes

Everyone has that one coach that loves to condition the kids, and is very enthusiastic about fitness. Let this coach spearhead your coaches fitness class.  Set up 1 hour long parent fitness classes at your gym.  Charging a nominal monthly fee ($20-30) for a weekly class, and placing the class during practice times ( when parents are already at the gym) works great. If you offer 2 classes a week, with 5-10 participants in each class the gym could be looking at an additional $200-400 a month


October Money Pit 3


October 5


Birthday Parties

If your gym is not already offering birthday parties, you need to start immediately! Whatever equipment you have now is enough.  If you have a trampoline, tumble tracks, a pit, or inflatables even better! Parents of young children are always looking for safe, fun, inexpensive places to host parties. 2 hours, 1-2 junior staffers @$25 per party, a couple tables, some music and games is all you need to successfully operate birthday parties in your location. Create a flyer to post on FB, Instagram and to send to your gym kids is a great way to start.  1 birthday party a weekend can bring in an additional $700 a month


October 9


Gym Rentals

Depending on your location, you may have an influx of recreational teams, youth cheer groups or school cheer teams looking to get extra practice in. Practice space can be hard for them to nail down, especially as the weather turns colder. Reaching out to these groups and using organic FB and insta advertising can spread the word quickly. Charging a flat rate for a single rental, and a slightly discounted rate for multiple rentals. 3-4 rentals can bring in an additional $400 a month


October 9


RELATED ARTICLES:



Ipp-pixel-perfect-vector-logo-linear



Semi-Private Lessons, Parent Fitness Classes, Birthday Parties and Gym Rentals take very little set up and financial investment on the gyms side, but can add additional steady income especially during this time of the year when finances are tight.

Take a good look into your weekly calendar, check to see where your coaches have holes in their schedules and implement programs that will help you stay financially free during Money Pit October!




Cat Weeden Signature Full Wht

Featured, Tips

How to have a Strong Standing Tuck (step-by-step videos)

Posted on by Matt Kelley
How To Have A Strong Standing Tuck
09
Oct
Ipp Contributor Matt Kelley

Matt Kelley Byline

By Matt Kelley

Published on October 9, 2018

Every week I receive questions about how to “make my standing tuck stronger?” I even ask for them to send me videos to give me a better opportunity to truly critique their form. The most consistent issue I see is with the strength of the athlete. 

So in this article I will describe some Core Exercises and some explosive leg movements that i’ve found to help my athletes over the past 15 years. Here are my recommendations to increase your core strength for a strong standing tuck:

Hanging tuck ups

We have a bar at our gym (demonstrated on the video), but if you do not, you can move 2 mats  close together, or 2 chairs and tuck your knees & shins up towards your head.
I truly believe this is the best core exercise for a stronger back tuck. An example of how many to do would be:
10 reps which equals 1 set, and do 4 sets
A variation of this would be to do a tuck up, and hold that tuck position squeezing every muscle you have, and holding for 20 seconds.

Hanging tuck ups

We have a bar at our gym (demonstrated on the video), but if you do not, you can move 2 mats  close together, or 2 chairs and tuck your knees & shins up towards your head.
I truly believe this is the best core exercise for a stronger back tuck. An example of how many to do would be:
10 reps which equals 1 set, and do 4 sets
A variation of this would be to do a tuck up, and hold that tuck position squeezing every muscle you have, and holding for 20 seconds.

Here are a couple of my favorite Explosive Leg Workouts, to help achieve a Strong Back Tuck:

Straight Jump onto an elevated Mat

Start by facing the opposite way of the mat, sit & swing and explode onto the mat. Make sure when you land, you immediately walk backwards.

Tuck Jump onto an elevated Mat

Similar to the straight jump, but add a tuck jump. Make sure your knees & shins go towards your head. Immediately walk backwards when you land on the mat.

Explosive Tuck Jump onto an elevated Mat

Start by sitting on a mat. Make sure your hips are higher than your knees when sitting on the mat. Next, Swing your arms up & jump/ explode through your legs. Hitting a tight tuck position. It is important to remember to land standing straight up & down when you land on the mat.
This is my favorite explosive Leg workout for a stronger standing tuck!
As a beginner, I would start with 20 reps. Doing this twice a week minimum. Each week add 5!

These are my favorite Core & Explosive Leg exercises for a Strong Standing Tuck!
I hope you all enjoy these!
My social media stuff:
Instagram: @KarmaReturns
Instagram: @MattFreakinKelley
Snapchat: Mkells5891

 

Matt Kelley Signature Full

Featured, Practice Wear, Tips

5 Tips for Running A Successful Proshop

Posted on by Heidi Weber
5 Tips For Running A Successful Proshop
01
Oct

Heidi Blog Circle

By Heidi Weber

Published on October 1, 2018

5 Tips for Running A Successful Proshop

RUNNING A SUCCESSFULL PROSHOP IS A GREAT WAY TO INCREASE YOUR GYM’S INCOME
Here are 5 tips on how to create a money making proshop with little to no money or risk!


  1. PLAN AHEAD Pick how many sales you want to create for your gym. If this is new to you maybe start with 2 sales for the season. Fall/winter and Spring/summer.If you are a little more seasoned you may want to split those sales into their own categories.

    Fall

    Winter

    Spring

    Summer

    Each sale having 1-3 items for sale.

    If you’re a true pro try your hand at 10 month proshop.  Offering a new item each month during the 10 busiest months

  2. SHOP LOCAL/SMALL BUSINESSES You can save huge on buying items through small business and local vendors. They don’t have to be down the street but using small business product producers allows for negotiations ( within reason), loyalty discounts, and great customer service. This can save you big and increase your profit margins
  3. CREATE PRE-SALE ITEMS Use pre sales to gage the excitement of your customer. There is no risk to offer a presale and it creates an urgency to buy now or miss out. Be willing to sell an item only once with no opportunity to reorder for the current season.
  4. USE COMPANIES WITH ONLINE PROSHOP LINKS Most companies can provide an online pro-shop link created just for you.At ASCE we provide each customer with their own page and collect all orders, sizes, and can even ship directly to the customer. There’s a small fee per order to cover the admin costs but in the end you have spent no out of pocket money and you get a check at the finality of the order for your gyms portion of the sale. Win win on the online proshop.
  5. BE REASONABLE Different items vary in cost. Some proshop items are inexpensive and others pricey. Remember you are up charging on an item produced for you. Not all items can make you huge profits and you can’t expect the vendor to always take the hit on pricing.So choose items wisely. If a trendy item doesn’t make you as much per sale but you can sell a ton its still worth it.Pick at least 1 item that makes great money and then you can add a fun item with less profit for staying up on the latest trends.Try and respect the vendors pricing and create a positive relationship most vendors will bend where they can and with time you can both benefit from the arrangement



There’s so many great ways to increase income for your gym so focus on the things you can control and you’ll see great return on little to no investment!



Most companies can provide an online pro-shop link created just for you.  At ASCE we provide each customer with their own page and collect all orders, sizes, and can even ship directly to the customer. There’s a small fee per order to cover the admin costs but in the end you have spent no out of pocket money and you get a check at the finality of the order for your gyms portion of the sale.


Most companies can provide an online pro-shop link created just for you.


Allstarfanwearflyer Asce 1


Here are links to start an ASCE run proshop:


Shop now: www.americanspiritandcheer.com

Social: @asce_asce

Email : sales@ascestaff.com


Heidi Weber Signature Full

Featured, Music, Tips

Best Cheer Music Producers for Competition Mixes

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
best cheer music studios for competition mixes
26
Sep

best cheer music producers for competition mixes

Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

By Steve Pawlyk

Published September 26, 2018

Its a question coaches face every season: What are the best cheer music producers for competition mixes?

A lot has changed in the world of cheer in just a few short years. Perhaps no area of cheer has changed as much as the process of purchasing music.  The last 3 years has brought as many new rules as new producers.

There are a few factors to consider when choosing the best cheer music producers for competition mixes.


BUDGET

Determining your budget is a crucial first step.  Teams with larger budgets may want to explore the custom mix option, while those on a tighter budget (gyms with multiple teams, for instance) may find premade mixes to be a better fit.


CUSTOM or PREMADE

Custom mixes are just that; exclusive mixes made from scratch to your request and/or count sheet.

premade mixes are already built, and therefore more affordable.


PERSONALIZATION

Custom Mixes come complete with personal voiceovers and routine-timed fx.  However, premade mixes are also often customizable via voiceover/fx/edit add-ons


LICENSING

This is usually less of an option these days as most competitions require licensing. However, some producers still provide licensing, optionally, for an additional fee.  Alternatively, other sites (like IPP Music), provide licensing free with all purchases, custom or premade


The following is a list of the industry’s best cheer music producers for competition mixes



USA CHEER PREFERRED MUSIC PROVIDERS

USA Cheer provides their own list of approved vendors on their Preferred Music Providers page

VISIT USA CHEER


Cheer News: Usa Cheer Announces U.s. Junior National Coed Team


Steve Pawlyk Signature Full

Featured, Tips

Coaching tips to help keep your team injury free and more powerful

Posted on by Jason Mason
Coaching Tips To Help Keep Your Team Injury Free And More Powerful
21
Sep

Coaching Tips


Jason Blog Circle

Jason Mason Signature

By Jason Mason

Updated September 21, 2018

You know what’s one thing that can really throw a wrench in your season?


An Injury


It always seems that just as all the gears are turning and your team is starting to gel that someone gets hurt.  Depending on the severity of the injury, you may now have to go back to the drawing board.  You know what this means.


Ipp Coaching Tips 1


New stunt groups, rearranging spots, athlete from ripple 1 now needs to remember ripple 3 – which she always forgets.  It’s basically a brand new routine.  You know what’s probably more frustrating than an unexpected an injury?  The fact that it probably could have been prevented.  How you ask?  Properly conditioning your team may be monumental in keeping your athletes injury free.  We’ve provided you with an easy-to-follow guide that help to reduce injury and keep your athletics more powerful.



1@1x


Develop a Dynamic Warm-Up/Dynamic Stretch.


This is to get your athletes muscles warm. It is best to stretch when muscles are warm versus static stretching.  This is also a great way to mimic movements that are performed during routines….and perfect them :)


Ipp Cheer Coaching Tips 5

Number 2 Ipp


Take a step back


Many times we go into a season with high expectations. This is great unless you skip over the basics.  Take a step back and look at your athletes movements and their strengths.


Do you see anything common among your athletes?  If so, that is a great place to start.  A couple common issues I see are Squatting ability, Shoulder/back flexibility, Core activation.


3@1x


PROGRAM OUT YOUR PRACTICE


Set time limits or set time aside for things that are important and must be accomplished. One being constant improvement on the athletes stamina and power production.  Yes, you are challenged when running a routine full out over and over….However, if your athletes are tired and start to practice bad form.  They are now teaching themselves improper mechanics which lead to injuries.  Save time at the end of practice or don’t be afraid to drop something from your practice and condition where the athletes can be successful by performing at their top ability at that time versus lifting, flipping, twisting etc.


Ipp Cheer Coaching Tips 4 3 Program Your


Ipp Cheer Coaching Tips 3


4@1x


Open to change


The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result.  If you tend to have drops, weak tumbling, a sloppy second half of your routine or a mixture of these.  Then it might be time to have a second opinion review your teams.  This consultant should be knowledgeable both in fitness/health as well as understand the cheerleading/gymnastics/dance requirements.


Don’t be afraid of what they might tell you

It could be anything from a couple quick tips for fitness to changing/firing/moving staff members around so they are best utilized.  Sometimes people are placed or hired for a certain part of the job but are a better fit somewhere else.  By putting them where they belong it increases moral and helps them be a better coach.  This gets the athletes excited and doing what they need.  When athletes do what they need and are excited to be there….Well the results speak for themselves.


Number 5 Ipp


Add a strength training day


  • On this day your athletes will work on just strengthening their body. Athletes tend to do the same movements in a sport over and over again.  Strength training allows the athlete to increase the activation/strength of the opposite muscles that are typically used.  These create balance which not only will make them stronger but balance helps prevent injury!


Ipp Cheer Coaching Tips 99


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Featured, Tips

How to Progress during the Back to School Crunch – Practice Scheduling, Attendance, Motivation

Posted on by catweeden
Surviving Sept Fixt2
13
Sep

HOW TO PROGRESS DURING THE BACK TO SCHOOL CRUNCH - Practice Scheduling, Attendance, & Motivation

Cat Weeden Circle

By Cat Weeden

Published September 13, 2018

As a Small Gymer, we all know the end of summer is a time of celebration! Church Retreats, Overnight Camps, Family Vacations, Trips to the Lake and the distractions of summer are finally gone and done. We are finally going to get full attendance back at practices which means stunts can solidify, tumbling can be finalized, and Pyramids can finally be created. 

Life is GREAT, you and your coaches are on a roll. Stuff is getting done. Then 3 weeks later school starts… and a whole new set of attendance problems start up!


In the Small Gym world, it is crucial to maximize the month of September by following these 4 tricks:


Ipp Tweeters


1@1x

Anticipate the potential practice conflicts


2@1x

Maximize practice efficiency through pre-planning


3@1x

Encourage & Create additional opportunities for Bonus Team Work


4@1x

Mentally Just Keep Swimming



Maximize Practice Efficiency Through Pre Planning


Every practice in the month of September is incredibly important. This is the last month before our internal clocks ding that its “Competition Season”. 

In order to get the very most out of this month, plan out each practice! Break your practice down into 10 minute sections and stick to the schedule. 


If your team is struggling in a section, planning ahead ensures that you think about this before practice starts, and you then create a plan to relieve the concern. You will be shocked how fast 10 minutes has previously been wasted once you start scheduling out practices.


“You will be shocked how fast 10 minutes has previously been wasted once you start scheduling out practices.”




Lines Angled


Mentally Just Keep Swimming


Absences are very hard on the team, but they are the hardest on the coaches! We have hopes, dreams and plans for practices, and 1 missed kid can throw that haywire….. if you choose to let it.

Coaches, I challenge you to take a “just keep swimming’ approach to these practices. Continue with your practice plan, work every section you need, let the missing stunt group do conditioning during the stunt run or even encourage the other groups. Whatever you do, don’t let 1 absent cheerleader distract you.

Intentionally include 3-4 full run throughs on your practice plan, and each practice continue to add sections to the “ run through” if you keep this up the kids will become acclimated to a 75% run overtime instead of drastically.

Even though there seems to be a million distractions in the month of September, by anticipating potential practice conflicts, maximizing your practice time through detailed scheduling, creating and encouraging extra bonus opportunities for your allstars and mentally continuing to advance your routines and readiness, you can excel and progress in the toughest month of the season!  


Ipp-logo-cheer-music-red


-Cat Weeden

LuXe CheeR

Featured, Tips

Top 5 Practice Wear Trends for 2018-2019

Posted on by Heidi Weber
Top 5 Practice Wear Trends For 2018-2019
10
Sep

Heidi Blog Circle

By Heidi Weber

Published on September 10, 2018

HERE ARE My Top 5 practice wear trends for 2018-2019

Our athletes are walking billboards for our gyms everyday. We dress our athletes for success at practice, showcases, and events so getting our items lined up early is key

Here’s a list of some of the hottest trends for practice/gym wear this season.


Looking Great

without Breaking the Bank!


Image 1


1. Sublimation is back

In the current competitive market you can pick up a completely custom designed sublimated practice set from $30-$45 from most companies.

You can design your wear to be simple and clean or busy and colorful the sky is the limit and now it won’t cost you an arm and a leg.



2. Jerseys

Baseball jerseys were all the rage last season and you’ll continue to see them this year too.
But take into consideration all the Jersey possibilities out there:
Soccer, Basketball, Hockey, Baseball…
All these jerseys can be customized for your gym and teams… start the next trend with a new Jersey style.


3. Cover Up Tanks

Tanks are hot hot hot and aren’t going anywhere. You can mix and match your gyms brand and team names with cover up tanks design specifically for your brand and your message.

Remember youth and adult tanks that match don’t always come in tons of color options so be creative with your ink colors instead of the tank color itself


Image1



4. Crop Tees/Tanks

Taking it back to the Old School you’ll be so cool. Crop boxy tanks and tees are back and great for uniform cover ups and gym practice wear. They are loose and comfy and have that 90’s appeal that you see in fashion this season.



5. Crew Neck Sweatshirts

Hoodies are a thing of the past and oversized crew neck sweatshirts are the go to.

These are easy to get over your hair and have a variety of color options and even better a much larger canvas for design and branding.


Not all designs are created equal.

So shop with companies that get who you are. ASCE is always looking for new trends and new ways to help you distinguish your brand and your gym vibe.

We offer sales and specials every month on various products. Shop smart with specials and sell more with rad designs that everyone loves.

“In an industry where your name is your brand, design matters”

You can look amazing in every design when you shop with companies that take the time to  know you, your style, and your message.

In an industry where your name is your brand, design matters.  You don’t have to break the bank for great apparel that your athletes and coaches will love to wear!

Shop now: www.americanspiritandcheer.com

Social: @asce_asce

Email : sales@ascestaff.com



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Featured, News, Tips

6 Exercises To Strengthen and Improve Your Back Tuck

Posted on by Jason Mason
Back Tuck Excersises
04
Sep

Jason Blog Circle

Jason Mason Signature

By Jason Mason

Updated September 4, 2018

6 Excercises to strengthen and improve your back tuck

We all remember that first time landing our standing back tuck.




The feeling was amazing.  The set, the flip, everything finally clicked.  The moment you landed you heard all of your teammates and coaches screaming for you!  It was unreal.  Now it’s time to perfect that back tuck so that you can gain consistency, confidence and move on up the progression ladder to standing fulls.  Not sure of what exercises to do to strengthen your mind, body and tuck?  We’ve laid it out for you below.  Follow these awesome back tuck exercises to strengthen you back tuck so that can be ready to advance your skills to the next level!


Back Tuck Exercises

Back Tuck Excersises


  1. Box Jumps – This exercise helps change the distance in which an athlete sits.  Maximum height for a tuck is not achieved when they sit the same way they sit for a back handspring.  Typically the tuck is taught after the back handspring so teaching the athlete proper jump technique for maximum height is a must!
  2. Backward rolls – If you can’t do a backward roll how do you expect to be able to do it in the air and then land back on you feet?
  3. Snatch, Clean, Deadlift – These exercises promote triple extension.  That is full extension of the ankles, knees, and hips.  These movements done at a fast speed and with or without weight help promote the body mechanics needed.  Have you ever been jealous of someone who has never tumbled but is athletic and played other sports who just out of the blue throws a standing tuck?  It’s usually because they have all the building blocks from other sports.  Drill Drill Drill and your Skill will follow!





4. Knees over shoulders/Toes to bar (core)  a strong core and hip flexors are a must!  A standing tuck requires speed when rotating.  A strong core and hip flexors help increase your how fast you rotate.  If you do not have a bar or need less resistance to start.  Grab a panel mat, squeeze it above your head (smallest way), then roll up/leg lift getting your shins to touch the mat.

5. Hip Thrust/Glute Bridge –  Glutes are one of the assistant muscles that complement your quads and hamstrings in increasing your jump height

6. Jump Rope – Increasing calve strength and in a plyometric form.  Quick contractions, endurance, and improving upon another assistant muscle for jumping!


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Featured, Tips

Can I start Cheering in College?

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
Can i start Cheering in college
15
Aug

Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

By Steve Pawlyk

Published August 15, 2018

Can I start cheering in college?

Yes you can!  I am living proof!!

I played all types of sports growing up such as hockey, baseball and football.  When I stepped on to a college campus for the first time that all changed.  Despite being recruited to play hockey at numerous colleges, i chose to attend a university that didn’t recruit me.  I pressed my luck and tried out as a walk-on.  Even though I made the practice team I was dissatisfied and chose not to continue.  Turns out that this was the best decision of my life.  Why you ask?  Because I was introduced to (college) cheerleading!  And I haven’t looked back.

Let me tell you how it all started.  One day I was walking out of the cafeteria and noticed some people engaging in what I could only describe at the time as a circus act.  These guys and girls were throwing each other around like rag dolls.  I thought this was interesting and continued watching.  As I was about to walk away one of the female athletes approached me and asked if I wanted to give it a try.  I declined at first, but she followed with the line that changed my life forever.  What did she say that completely altered my life and has led me to writing this right now?  She said, “if you try, you’ll get to touch my butt”.  With a twinkle in my eye and excitement surging through my body I said, “yes, yes I would like to touch your butt.  Please show me how”.


CAN I START CHEERING IN COLLEGE?

College cheerleading is one of the few sports that you can really learn and perfect in a couple short years.

Although I was extremely athletic and strong, nothing could have prepared me for the journey on which I was about to embark.  Cheerleading, especially college cheer, if very nuanced, but can be learned with no prior experience.  When you’re surrounded by other high-level athletes, learning almost becomes contagious.  In one year I went from knowing absolutely nothing to being a pretty good coed stunter.  Although there was much to still learn, I was well on my way.

College cheerleading is one of the few sports that you can really learn and perfect in a couple short years.  When you ask around as to how many athletes, guys in particular, started cheering in college the numbers are staggering.  Although guys are becoming involved with  cheer at younger and younger ages with the rise and popularity of allstar cheer, you will find that at least 50% of guys don’t start until they are in college. 

This is less true for female athletes, but there are still a number that I have encountered that hadn’t cheered until the college level.  Most were prior gymnasts wanting to continue using their skills despite their school not offering a gymnastics program.   Therefore, they end up on the cheer team.

CAN I START CHEERING IN COLLEGE?


When it comes to college cheer, it’s never too late. 

It seems that in most cases there is no prior skill needed.  There are some amazing teams that require some prior involvement, but a super majority of college teams are happy to take any guy or girl off the street who are willing to work and put the time into perfect their skills.


So don’t fret.

If you want to give college cheer a try, then do it!  You’ll never know what could happen unless you try.  I couldn’t imagine that one stunt in front of the cafeteria my freshman year would have turned into a career in cheerleading.  If you want it, go do it!


Ipp-logo-cheer-music-red


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CHEER WIKI

Premade Cheer Mix - In My Dreams
New

Premade Cheer Mix – In My Dreams [0:30]

$40.00

Don’t sleep on this mix!

Hitting the stage with this awesome inexpensive mix will be a nightmare for your competition.

Sounds like Dream Allstars Eternity. In the style of Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran. Perfect for all ages

SKU: 110357 Categories: , Tags: , , ,
Read more
Rockstar Cheer Mix 2020
New

Premade Cheer Mix – Rockstar [0:30]

$40.00

Lights, camera, action! It’s time to start your world tour and rock out with this cost-effective Rockstar mix.

Sounds like Southern Cross Cheer Legacy.

In the style of Bebe Rexha and Khalid. Perfect for all teams

SKU: 110037 Categories: , Tags: , , , , , ,
Read more
Rockstar Cheer Mix 2020
New

Premade Cheer Mix – Rockstar [0:45]

$55.00

Lights, camera, action! It’s time to start your world tour and rock out with this cost-effective Rockstar mix.

Sounds like Southern Cross Cheer Legacy.

In the style of Bebe Rexha and Khalid. Perfect for all teams

SKU: 110036 Categories: , Tags: , , , , , ,
Read more

Featured, News, Tips

College Cheerleading Scholarships Are A Thing!

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
College Cheerleading Scholarships Are A Thing!
06
Aug

College Cheerleading Scholarships

Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

By Steve Pawlyk

Published August 6, 2018

Picture this: It’s your senior year of high school...

You’ve been cheering for most of your life. You’re not ready to hang up your pom poms. You’re thinking, what’s next? Can I cheer college? Well of course you can, but…college, especially your dream school, can be so expensive.  Then it hits you like a fabulous toe touch! College Cheerleading Scholarships!  But wait…


Cheerleading-scholarships






Do schools actually offer scholarships for cheer?

of course they do!



All full of excitement like you just received your cheer mix for the current season you run to your computer and google “college cheer scholarships”. You quickly realize that you can’t find a complete list of schools that offer some sort of scholarships. Now you feel defeated like you just dropped your group stunt and your responsible for another full out! But, hey. Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered :)

Here is the 2018 list of university and college cheerleading scholarships!




Uca-comp-cropped


Keep in mind that scholarships can come in many forms.

Some school may offer money (full rides available), stipens for books & materials, room and board, name brand apparel, free travel and more. If you want to know more about a school’s program or what they offer just contact the coach from that school and ask! :)

Not sure who that is?

Contact us and we’ll help to put you in touch!



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Featured, Tips

10 Simple tips for a productive season

Posted on by Heidi Weber
10 Simple Tips For A Productive Season
26
Jul

Heidi Blog Circle

By Heidi Weber

Published on July 26, 2018

10 Simple Tips for a Productive Season

For the Love of Coaching…

For most of us gym owners, directors and coaches, the love of cheerleading has been the driving force for a die-hard commitment to competitive cheerleading over the past 30 years. The passion for the development and growth of the sport has kept us motivated work tirelessly for the advancement of cheerleading for the future generations.

Going into the 2018-2019 season we have put together a list of 10 simple tips for a productive season. These are reminders that passion and love is inspiring, but won’t pay your rent, practice wear and competition fees.
With an ever competitive marketplace growing around us, we must always remind ourselves that the industry we love is also a business full of overhead, increasing variable costs, and demanding customers. The ever real pressure of staying competitive and relevant exists daily so why not start the new season with a plan that allows for goals, boundaries, and peace of mind.

10 Simple Tips for a Productive Season

  • Accept now that you can never make everyone happy. You are not a cupcake.  You can’t bring happiness to everyone. Some people just can’t be satisfied. This can be a huge time and energy sucker so decide now to let that go.
  • Identify your best customer. Who is your best customer and the easiest to recruit to your gym? If it’s your mini level 1 and beginning rec tumblers who are excited then spend extra time encouraging them to invite friends and even highlight them on social media pages, newsletters and etc. A little recognition goes a long way.
  • Make extra money. Plan additional money making activities that are good for your customers and your bottom line. Parents night out, drop in gym time during black friday, preschool or homeschool classes. Plan a minimum of 1 event per month to drive up additional income. This can be done in about 15 minutes on a downloadable blank calendar for the whole year.
  • Don’t compare yourself to nearby Gyms. You are your own brand. People are buying you and everything that comes with you. Sell yourself and don’t worry about others around you. Repeat this to yourself every time the opportunity arises to feel less than the other guy.
  • Laugh and Smile. Laughter and smiling is contagious. Your staff will follow and then your athletes make it a habit to bring a positive vibes to your gym daily.
  • Find and Assign. Everyone on your staff has a special talent and strength. Find it and assign them a task within your program that highlights this strength. If you don’t know what their strengths are …. Ask them. Let them lead in the areas they are strongest and you will grow and relieve your own stress.
  • Share your vision. People love to buy into a vision for success. Share your vision and passion out loud with your staff, kids and parents. Set reasonable goals that bring satisfaction.
  • Don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s easy to lose an entire day or week on small tedious problems that arise in everyday gym life. Look at your circumstances and decide where they land on a scale of 1-10 in term of long-term importance. If they are less than a 6 let them go.
  • Be open to Change. If something comes your way that seems like it would be a great fit for your gym, athletes and families then try it. You can always switch back.
  • HAVE FUN. Only 1 team per division can win at each competition you attend. You may be that winner most times or it may be few and far between, but the enjoyment of your program comes from the year long journey each season. Don’t forget the FUN and your families and athletes won’t either.

Cheers to 2018-2019 take a deep breathe and enjoy a laugh!

[arve url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WifF0kZ0zp4″ thumbnail=”46677″ /]

 

Heidi Weber Signature 2019

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