Expert: Chris - 10/1/2010

Question
Hi,

I started cheerleading on a mom and dad squad 2 months ago and have been really motivated ever since. I fly and I am learning to tumble. Since I am so new at this sport it seems like I am achieving new skills every practice. I am an athlete, strong and flexible.

We have been taking it really slow and I had been feeling super confident and competent until last week. I was asked to do a ground-up lib to extension for the first time (in order for it to become a bow and arrow in the choreography). I did it well right away, tried to pull the bow, and fell. We did it twice more but I wasn't able to keep it up (it was a new stunt group). I was also asked to do a back tuck in a pyramid and kneed a base in the face on the third try (I am told it was not my fault, but I feel responsible nevertheless).

You can imagine I am a bit hesitant for the next practice. I am scared to not do a good job, fall and injure others or myself. I am confused because I was feeling so confident at all the other practices, like I could do everything perfectly, like I wanted to try more advanced stuff, and as soon as I got the opportunity I chickened out! I am really scared of the height on this one foot extension ( I feel fine on two feet ) and I did not expect this setback. I can do it, but I have this scared feeling that is very likely stopping me from performing well.
So what are some steps to take to get over this and start enjoying practice again?

Jane

Answer
First of all, don't feel guilty for injuring a base or someone holding you up. It's part of cheerleading and it's going to happen no matter what you're doing. I've been flying for 11 years and accidents happen. If the base leans in towards the stunt then she's going to get kneed in the face. So don't let yourself feel guilty about that.

Bow and arrows are tough stunts. They're probably the hardest body position to pull in the air. Being afraid isn't going to get you anywhere, but you seem to already know that so I won't give you that lecture. Also, new groups take time no matter how talented the people are.

Don't be afraid of being up on one foot extended. You'll get used to it and once you've done it things will get easier. If you just started you have to give yourself permission to make mistakes because you won't be perfect right away.

You seem to have a good handle on the mental aspect of this, but here's a few tips anyways. Don't let your brain think "I'm afraid to do this and get hurt/hurt someone else/anything else." Your brain takes that as literal instructions and won't let your body perform properly. Even though you logically know those aren't instructions, your brain can't differentiate between fear talking and actual common sense telling it what to do. I learned that one the hard way! It took me years because I kept thinking "I'm never going to be able to do this," and whenever I'd try I couldn't. As soon as someone explained what the brain "thought" about literal instructions I gradually stopped that and it helped a lot.

I know it's been a while since you asked this question and hopefully things have been going well. You haven't been cheering long and soon you'll realize there's going to be bad practices, bad group combinations, bad weeks, etc.

Good luck and don't hesitate to ask a follow up with more specific questions if you want.