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How to Prepare Your Team for NCA Nationals: A Step-by-Step Guide

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
How to Prepare Your Team for NCA Nationals: A Step-by-Step Guide
10
Oct
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Byline Steve Pawlyk

Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

By Steve Pawlyk

Published October 10, 2023

For collegiate cheerleading teams, the NCA Nationals in Daytona isn’t just a competition—it’s a rite of passage. Held during the first week of April, it’s a convergence of talent, where teams like Navarro, OSU, and TVCC have consistently set high standards. As we approach this pinnacle of cheerleading prowess, it’s essential to arm your team with the right strategies. Here’s a detailed roadmap.

Cheerleading-Nationals-Preparation

1. Proactive Planning

Evaluate Your Squad’s Capacities: In the vast realm of collegiate cheerleading, each squad has its strengths and unique attributes. Dive deep into introspection. While Navarro might be known for their dynamic formations and TVCC for their impeccable synchronization, what can your team bring to the table? Dissect your previous performances. Identify areas of brilliance and zones that need more dedication.

Chalk Out a Precise Timeline: With the Nationals set in April, every preceding month has its importance:

  • January: Establish foundational routines, focusing on team dynamics.
  • February: This should be your intensive training phase—longer practices, dedicated workshops, and more.
  • March: Refinement. Constant feedback, adjustments, and mental conditioning. Also, allocate time for relaxation to prevent burnout.

2. Studying the Titans: Learn from the Best

Analyze Past Performances of Powerhouses: Platforms like YouTube provide ample footage from past NCA Nationals. Study them. What made Navarro’s pyramid formation so awe-inspiring last year? How did OSU’s flyers manage such gravity-defying stunts with impeccable grace? Make these sessions interactive—discuss with your team, note observations, and brainstorm.

Introduce Fresh Elements: While emulating the greats provides a foundation, innovation captures attention. Drawing inspiration from giants like OSU and Navarro is beneficial, but adding your squad’s unique essence ensures your performance is memorable and stands out.

3. Intensive Training Regime

Augment Practice Hours: As the Nationals loom closer, your team’s training regimen should mirror the intensity of the impending competition. Gradually increase practice hours, ensuring every team member is comfortable and not overwhelmed. The goal is perfection, but also ensuring the mental and physical well-being of your squad.

Holistic Conditioning: Beyond routines, focus on overall conditioning:

  • Physical: Incorporate a mix of cardiovascular workouts, strength training, and flexibility exercises. These not only enhance performance but also reduce the risk of injuries.
  • Mental: Psychological resilience is equally paramount. Techniques like meditation, group discussions, and even professional counseling sessions can bolster mental strength.
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4. Understanding Daytona-specific Dynamics

Venue Familiarization: The environment plays a crucial role. If feasible, arrange for a reconnaissance trip to the venue. Acquaint your team with the surroundings. The ambiance, floor material, acoustic dynamics—all can influence performance. Early familiarization reduces the ‘unknown’ factor, providing a psychological edge.

Weather Preparations: Daytona’s weather in April can be a mixed bag. Plan for contingencies. Whether it’s ensuring your costumes are adaptable to unexpected cold spells or prepping the team for potential humidity—every detail counts.

5. Visualization: The Power of Mind

Picture the Win: Visualization is a potent tool, used by athletes worldwide. Encourage your team to imagine every aspect of their performance—from their entrance, key stunts, to the final bow. But also, have them visualize the euphoria of a perfect performance, the applause, the accolades.

Detailed Imagery Sessions: Organize dedicated visualization sessions. Dim the lights, play soft background music, and guide your team through a mental rehearsal of their routine. This aids in muscle memory and confidence.

Ultimate-Cheer-Guide
Strengthening-Team-Dynamics-in-Cheerleading

6. Costumes and Props: More than Aesthetics

Prioritize Costume Trials: While costumes add visual appeal, they need to be functional. Organize multiple trial sessions. Ensure the fabric, fit, and design are conducive to the strenuous routines. Remember, a wardrobe malfunction or an uncomfortable costume can disrupt performance.

Prop Quality and Integration: For routines that utilize props, they should seamlessly integrate into the performance. Ensure their quality, stability, and functionality. Regular checks and rehearsals with props are essential to ensure they complement rather than hinder the performance.

7. Engage Alumni and Seek Expert Insights

Leverage Alumni Experience: Your predecessors have trodden the path you’re embarking upon. Engage with them. Their experiences, insights, and feedback can be invaluable. Whether it’s advice on handling the pressure, tips on impressing the judges, or even insights into competitors, they’re a goldmine of information

So, as we inch closer to that big week in April, remember: prepping for the NCA Nationals in Daytona isn’t just about nailing those routines. It’s about team spirit, clever strategy, and a whole lot of heart. Teams like Navarro, OSU, and TVCC? They’ve set the bar high, but every year is a new game, and there’s always room at the top. With the right prep, determination, and that special something only your team has, who’s to say you won’t be the next big thing? Let’s gear up, give it our all, and make some unforgettable memories

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Cheer How-To Series, Coaching, Featured, Info, Tips

The Art of Retention: How to Keep Cheer Athletes Coming Back to Your Gym

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
The-Art-of-Retention--How-to-Keep-Cheer-Athletes-Coming-Back-to-Your-Gym
24
Aug
Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

By Steve Pawlyk

Published August 24, 2023

Attracting new athletes to your gym is only half the battle. The true challenge lies in retaining those athletes, nurturing their growth, and building a loyal community that feels like family. Retention is more than a business strategy; it’s an art form that requires understanding, creativity, and a genuine passion for the sport and the individuals who dedicate themselves to it. How do you keep cheer athletes coming back to your gym, season after season? How do you transform a cheer gym into a home where athletes grow, thrive, and succeed?

This comprehensive guide delves into the art of retention, offering practical strategies, examples, and ideas to foster loyalty and keep cheer athletes engaged in your program. Whether you’re a seasoned cheer coach or a gym owner looking to enhance your retention efforts, these insights will empower you to create a cheerleading environment that resonates with athletes and their families, setting your gym apart in a competitive market.

1. Provide Exceptional Coaching

  • Invest in Professional Development: Encourage coaches to attend workshops like the USASF National Meeting, ensuring they stay current with industry best practices.
  • Offer Personalized Attention: Implement small group sessions to focus on individual needs, such as specialized tumbling classes for those struggling with specific skills.
  • Foster a Positive Environment: Create a “Shout Out” board where athletes can publicly praise each other’s achievements, fostering a supportive atmosphere.

2. Develop a Strong Community

  • Encourage Team Bonding: Organize team sleepovers or outings to amusement parks, fostering camaraderie and friendship.
  • Engage Families: Host family potluck dinners or parent-child practice sessions to create a sense of community.
  • Celebrate Successes: Create a “Wall of Fame” to display team trophies and individual achievements, fostering pride and recognition.

3. Offer Competitive and Flexible Pricing

  • Provide Value: Bundle coaching sessions with gym merchandise or competition entry fees to enhance perceived value.
  • Offer Flexible Payment Options: Implement a monthly payment plan or sibling discounts to accommodate various financial situations.
  • Create Loyalty Programs: Offer a “Refer a Friend” program that provides discounts for both the referring athlete and the new recruit.
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4. Maintain Top-notch Facilities and Equipment

  • Invest in Quality Equipment: Regularly update mats and safety gear, ensuring the highest standards of safety.
  • Create a Welcoming Environment: Design lounge areas with comfortable seating for athletes and parents, creating a home-away-from-home feel.
  • Prioritize Safety: Conduct monthly safety drills and maintain clear safety guidelines posted throughout the gym.
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5. Communicate Effectively

  • Keep Athletes and Families Informed: Utilize a gym app that sends push notifications for schedule updates, announcements, and achievements.
  • Solicit Feedback: Implement a suggestion box or regular surveys to gather feedback and demonstrate that opinions matter.
  • Provide Clear Expectations: Create a handbook outlining policies, expectations, and goals, ensuring clarity and transparency.

6. Offer Diverse and Engaging Programs

  • Provide Varied Training Opportunities: Offer themed workshops like “Stunt Fest” or “Tumble Mania” to cater to various interests.
  • Create Opportunities for Competition: Participate in both local showcases and national championships, providing varied competitive experiences.
  • Implement Off-season Activities: Organize summer cheer camps or specialized clinics with guest coaches to keep athletes engaged during the off-season.

Retention is an art that requires creativity, commitment, and a keen understanding of what makes athletes and their families feel valued. By implementing these strategies, you can create a cheer gym that not only attracts athletes but keeps them coming back, building a loyal and thriving community in a competitive market.

Steve Pawlyk Signature Full

Need Competition Music Blue

IPP's Premade Mixes are USA Cheer Compliant and customizable!  Add Sound FX, swap songs, & more!  Add your Team Name to the mix for only $10! 

SLAM artwork
Full_Out_130 mp3 image
1 minute cheer mix
WAKE UP THE FIRE
SLAM artwork
WAKE UP THE FIRE
Full_Out_130 mp3 image
1 minute cheer mix
130bpm 150bpm
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