Tag Archives: Cheerleading Stress Management

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Unlocking Potential: 10 Lesser-Known Techniques to Enhance Cheerleader Performance

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
10-Lesser-Known-Techniques-to-Enhance-Cheerleader-Performance
28
Aug
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Byline Steve Pawlyk

Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

By Steve Pawlyk

Published August 28, 2023

Are you tired of the same old drills and looking for some fresh, innovative ways to boost your team’s performance? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Today, we’re diving into 10 lesser-known techniques that can take your cheerleaders from good to great. So, grab a notepad and let’s get into it!

ipp-cheer-music

1. Visualization Techniques

  • What It Is: Visualization is all about mentally rehearsing routines, stunts, or even entire performances.
  • Example: During practice, allocate 5-10 minutes for your team to close their eyes and visualize nailing that tricky pyramid or sticking the landing on a tumble.

2. Proprioceptive Training

  • What It Is: This focuses on enhancing awareness of body position, which can improve balance and coordination.
  • Example: Incorporate balance board routines or single-leg squats into your training sessions.

3. Periodization Training

  • What It Is: This involves organizing training into cycles, focusing on different aspects of cheerleading in each cycle.
  • Example: Spend four weeks focusing on strength training, followed by four weeks on flexibility and agility.

4. Breathing Exercises

  • What It Is: Controlled breathing can help reduce stress and improve performance.
  • Example: Teach your team the 4-7-8 technique: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, and exhale for 8.
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Licensed Cheer Music for Competition Cheer Music

5. Video Analysis

  • What It Is: Recording and reviewing performances to identify areas for improvement.
  • Example: Use apps like Coach’s Eye to break down each athlete’s form and technique in slow motion.

6. Plyometric Drills

  • What It Is: These are explosive exercises that can improve power and speed.
  • Example: Incorporate box jumps or medicine ball throws into your training regimen.

7. Mental Resilience Training

  • What It Is: Building mental strength to handle the pressures of competition.
  • Example: Use positive affirmations or mantras that the team can repeat during stressful moments.

8. Nutrition Planning

  • What It Is: Tailoring diets to meet the specific needs of cheerleading.
  • Example: Consult a sports nutritionist to create meal plans that focus on lean protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs.

9. Active Recovery Sessions

  • What It Is: Light exercises that help in muscle recovery.
  • Example: Incorporate yoga or swimming as active recovery options on off days.
lesser-known-tricks-tips-for-cheer-coaches

10. Peer Feedback Sessions

  • What It Is: Team members provide constructive feedback to each other.
  • Example: After practice, have a “Feedback Circle” where each cheerleader can offer one piece of constructive advice to a teammate

These lesser-known techniques are your secret weapons for taking your team’s performance to the next level. Remember, the best coaches are always learning and adapting, so don’t be afraid to try something new. Your athletes will thank you for it!

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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
Cheer How-To Series, Featured, Tips

Challenging Stereotypes and Navigating Pressures in College Cheerleading

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
Stereotypes and Pressures in College Cheerleading
19
Jun
Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

By Steve Pawlyk

Published June 19, 2023

I saw a heartbreaking post in the r/cheerleading subreddit this morning that I thought I should address:

Cheerleading is more than just a sport. It’s a lifestyle, a commitment, and for many, it becomes an integral part of their identity. However, with the privilege of being the face of a college/school/gym also comes a set of expectations that can take a toll on even the most dedicated athletes.

At IPP Music, we’ve worked closely with cheerleading teams across the nation, and we’ve seen firsthand the struggles they face beyond mastering intricate routines or synchronizing to the perfect cheer music mix.

In an environment where every move is under scrutiny, cheerleaders are often expected to look and act a certain way. They are supposed to embody the spirit of their schools, maintain an upbeat and social disposition, and fit into a certain physical image that can often feel unachievable. While these expectations can instigate discipline and camaraderie, they can also impose a mental and emotional burden on cheerleaders, chipping away at their self-esteem and personal well-being.

A survey conducted by the National Eating Disorders Association found that athletes in judged sports, like cheerleading, are at a higher risk of developing eating disorders. This can be attributed, in part, to the pressure to fit into a certain uniform size or maintain a certain look. Cheerleaders have been told they are “too pale”, “too fat”, or “not enough” of something in a realm where there is always room for comparison and criticism.

Moreover, the constant need to appear cheerful and sociable can become draining. Cheerleaders often find themselves being told they are “not social enough,” which can be particularly difficult for those who are introverted or dealing with personal issues.

So, how can we challenge these stereotypes and alleviate these pressures?

Stereotypes-Pressures-in-Cheer

1. Open Discussions:

Creating a space where cheerleaders can openly discuss their feelings and experiences without judgment is crucial. Coaches and team leaders should foster an environment where athletes can express their concerns about body image, societal pressure, and mental health. These discussions can go a long way towards dispelling harmful stereotypes and promoting self-acceptance.

2. Redefining Standards:

The notion that all cheerleaders must look or behave a certain way is outdated and restrictive. Teams and coaches can work towards breaking these norms by encouraging diversity and individuality. The most powerful cheerleading squads aren’t those with members who all look the same; they’re those where each cheerleader brings their unique strengths and personalities to the team.

3. Support Systems:

Establishing a network of support that includes coaches, peers, and mental health professionals can make a significant difference in the lives of cheerleaders. Knowing they have people to turn to, who understand their struggles and offer solutions, can mitigate the stress associated with the pressures of cheerleading.

athlete pressures-in-Cheer

4. Emphasizing Health Over Aesthetics:

Prioritizing the health and fitness of cheerleaders over their appearance is essential. Training should focus on building strength, stamina, and flexibility rather than achieving a specific body shape or size.

Cheerleading should be an experience that builds character, fosters friendships, and instills a sense of school spirit. It should not be a breeding ground for insecurities or a source of undue stress. As we work together to create the perfect cheer music for your routines at IPP Music, we also hope to inspire a harmonious environment that celebrates each cheerleader’s individuality and passion.

Cheerleading is a beautiful sport filled with vigor, enthusiasm, and teamwork. It’s high time we break the mould, challenge the stereotypes, and ensure our cheerleaders feel cherished, appreciated, and comfortable being themselves

What can I do about it as a cheerleader?

Cheerleaders themselves play a crucial role in bringing about this change. Here are a few steps they can take to navigate the pressures of college cheerleading:

1. Speak Up:

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by expectations, don’t hesitate to voice your concerns. Open communication can lead to understanding, support, and change. If something makes you uncomfortable, let your coach or a trusted team member know. Remember, your mental and physical well-being is as important as the performance itself.

2. Self-care:

Take time for yourself amidst the busy cheer schedule. Engage in activities that help you relax, and ensure you’re getting adequate sleep and proper nutrition. It’s not selfish to prioritize your health and well-being – it’s necessary.

3. Set Personal Boundaries:
While being part of a team, it’s essential to set boundaries that protect your individuality and mental health. Don’t feel pressured to conform to norms that don’t align with your beliefs or comfort. It’s okay to say ‘no’ when necessary.

4. Practice Self-love and Acceptance:
Remember, the perceived “perfect cheerleader” doesn’t exist. Celebrate your strengths and understand that everyone has areas of improvement. It’s okay not to fit into the mould. Appreciate your unique qualities and talents – they’re what make you an asset to your team

5. Support Your Teammates:
Just as you may be feeling pressure, your fellow cheerleaders might be experiencing the same. Be supportive of each other. Foster a positive team culture that values every member’s contributions and encourages open communication.

6. Seek Professional Help If Needed:
If the pressures of cheerleading are causing significant stress or leading to harmful behaviors, it’s important to reach out to mental health professionals. Therapists and counselors can provide strategies to cope with stress and address any potential mental health issues.

ipp-music-cheerleading

Remember, cheerleading is about creating a sense of unity and school spirit. It’s about teamwork, passion, and having fun. The uniform you wear or how outgoing you are should never overshadow your love for the sport. Stay true to yourself, prioritize your well-being, and remember that you bring something unique and invaluable to your team. You are more than enough just as you are

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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