Expert: Pamela Enders - 4/12/2009

Question
QUESTION: ok i have  cheered for 3 years at my middle  school and for  high  school  u r suppose  2 have backhandspring i dont every  one  said  i should still  try out bc im flexible  awesome  flyer sharp and my jumps r high im close 2 bhs but i always  land on knees should stil try out

ANSWER: Dear Kristen,

Hmmm…let me see if I understand what you are saying.  You are flexible, you are an awesome flyer, you are sharp and your jumps are high.  Then you said, “
im close 2 bhs…” and that is where I don’t understand what you mean…could you translate please? I’m a bit older than you and I am unfamiliar with texting lingo.

Let me try to respond the best I can.  It’s great that you are talented and have the skills you described.  These are indeed skills that coaches look for.  That said, if you know for sure that the requirement for getting on the high school squad is to have a back handspring and you do not, then your job is to get that skill perfected and perhaps wait until next year.

I wonder however, where you got your information.  Did you talk directly to the high school coach?  Beware of gossip and rumors which can be filled with misinformation.   I would recommend you make an appointment with the high school coach or his/her representative to find out exactly what the requirements are.  During that meeting, tell the coach or rep. what you told me, that you have these other skills.  It may be that they need a good flyer and would be willing to take you even if you don’t have the back handspring. They may find your skills attractive and would be willing to work with you to perfect your back handspring.

Communication with the coach will get you the accurate info you need plus it will show the coach that you are proactive and serious about cheerleading.

Good luck and keep me posted!

Pamela


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: ok bhs means backhandspring i have talked to high school coach all he said when i asked him was that everyone last year had a toe touch bhs he didnt say  i needed it specifically but he really likes flexible flyers. any tips on this and bhs

Answer
Ok, so if the coach told you that everyone last year had a toe touch bhs, he probably would like it better if you had one too but that may not mean it is absolutely essential.  If you are a flexible flyer and he likes that, then that's a plus for you.  Perhaps if he knows for sure you are serious about perfecting your bhs and you are working on that, he might overlook the fact that you don't quite have it yet.

Just remember there are no guarantees and you have no control over who else might be trying out.  There could be a few other cheerleaders who are good flyers and they do the bhs.  Still - nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? So - go for it!

In terms of your bhs, remember that I am a mental game coach and I am not a tumbling coach so I cannot really offer you specific tips on how to perfect your bhs. That said, since the body does what the brain thinks, you might try visualizing yourself executing a perfect bhs.  Do this over and over.  Then right before you actually do it, pause, "see" it and then do it. Another suggestion is to watch a video of someone else who is great at a bhs and watch that video over and over; then imagine it is you doing it.  Active watching can improve performance.  

For other mental game tips check out my blog at http://www.confidentcheerleadingblog.com

Lastly, I have a question about your rating...you gave me an 8 for timeliness which is a bit confusing since I think I answered your question the same day you sent it.  As "Experts" we are asked to respond within 48 hours. Is it possible that I took longer than that?  If so, I apologize but I rely on when I receive an email and I received an email from you on April 11th which is when I responded.

Good luck to you!

Pamela