Expert: Pamela Enders - 3/31/2010

Question
Hi okay so i was wondering what you thought of my situation. This is my third year of cheerleading and my season just finished. Last year I was a top/flyer and I wasn't very good. I wasn't very flexible and had a good sturdy lib near the begging of last season and as time progressed I overthank everything and so our routine had to get dumbed down( not just because of me). So that summer I stretched all the time and when tryouts came i tried out and made it as a top i was quite happy, until we made our routine. They made me a third, and i'm on 5'2! I'm just wondering if you think i'd have a chance at being a top next season, because of my flexibility..I love it and would love to redeem myself and show my coaches what I could really do!Do you think it's possible?

thanx a bunch- kaitlan!

Answer
Dear Kaitlan,

Good for you for your commitment to improving your strength and flexibility!  

When it comes to choosing flyers and other positions, there are many variables coaches consider and sometimes it may not seem right or fair but you have to be willing to go with it.  Coaches LOVE cheerleaders who are flexible mentally as well as physically! Coaches also LOVE a good positive attitude and someone with a good work ethic – like you!  If you continue to work on your strength, flexibility and skills and if you show your coaches that you are committed to being the best cheerleader possible, your chances should improve.

Also, I would suggest you talk to your coaches and tell them you would like to redeem yourself and ask them what they might recommend you work on in order to achieve that goal.

One more thing – think about the person they did choose for the top and consider what skills and technique she demonstrated that made them choose her.  Then try to emulate her.  It’s always good to be open to learning and to learn by watching others.

You might want to check out my blog which has lots of info and tips on the mental game of cheerleading.  The link – http://www.confidentcheerleadingblog.com

Good luck to you!

Dr. Pam
The Mental Game Coach
http://www.confidentcheerleadingblog.com