Cheerleading/Basing

Advertisement


Question
Hello Chris it's Valen again. The team I am on now, I'm one of the smaller girls. I am now a flier but I do base a little. But, I'm not so sure I'm going to be basing on this team. I am very expirienced but the other girls think I'm " too weak and small " to be basing. I've told them I've done it before, but they're still downing me. So, what should I do ??

Answer
This is tough. Girls can be mean, but you can't let them get to you. I know it's easier said than done, but do your best to let their comments roll off your back. They're probably saying those things because they're jealous that you're pretty strong! Maybe you should talk to your coach and see if there's a chance you could base and explain what you told me. The other girls are downing you and although you're small you're pretty experienced and think you could do a good job. Another option would be to just ignore it and be a flier. All teams need those too! And in some situations the coach has no choice but to make someone a flier. Although you may be a good base, the team may be in a shortage of fliers and have no choice but to use you as a flier. I've been in this situation many times. Or perhaps you would be able to base, but there aren't any girls who do base that would be able to fly. It's a tricky balance figuring out who should and can do what. I would talk to your coach and see WHY you're flying (unless you are okay with flying). And maybe she could give you a chance to base once or twice at practice just for fun and just to show the other girls that you CAN do it!

Cheerleading

All Answers


Answers by Expert:


Ask Experts

Volunteer


Chris

Expertise

I can answer questions on partner stunts, dismounts, basket tosses, choreography, pyramids, jumps, motions, chants, and formations. I can answer questions on tryouts, coaching, general cheerleading, etc. I cannot answer questions on co-ed stunts/pyramids or tumbling. Aside from these areas I can usually answer, or direct you to an answer, on any other topic.

Experience

I've been cheerleading for 10 years. My teams consistently competed at the national level, placing many times. I've coached for the past 5 years, and the team I coached most recently became National Champions. I've cheered at the Pop Warner, High School, and All-Star levels. I coach alongside my mother and sister who have coached at the all-star level as well. I've been watching cheerleading since I was 4, and I can create routines, give advice, and help teach kids how to deal with competitions. I have a knack for coaching and giving advice. I'm always the coach designated to give the pep talks to the kids before competitions.

Education/Credentials
I have been living with cheerleading coaches for 10+ years which teaches more than anyone can imagine. I was captain of my Varsity High School squad which came with the responsibility of picking music, writing a cheer, creating and teaching the routine, and making the formations. I have also coached nationally ranked teams for 5 years.

Awards and Honors
Two-time All-State Cheerleader nominee All-State Class M Cheerleader Varsity Cheer Captain

Past/Present Clients
The 32 young girls I just helped coach to a national championship! :) It wasn't easy, but they'll all say the work was worth it in the end.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.