Expert: Steve Michaud - 4/10/2001

Question
I am a Varsity HS coach.  I will be coaching a fairly inexperienced squad.  They have never competed and the extent of their stunting is a double base extension and an average basket toss.  What approach should I take in building the program and bringing the team to a level where they can perform more advanced stunts?  Is 5 months a reasonable amount of time to have solid liberties  and retakes?  Thanks for your thoughts.  Tanya, NY  

Answer
Tanya,

GREAT QUESTION!

I think 5 months is reasonable, however remember perfection before progression.  I am in the process of revamping a program that has had issues with stunting of late and I am starting over at ground zero.  My goal is to re-teach everything to them so everyone does everything exactly the same.  We'll spend 2 weeks on just preps and retakes...they hate it, but it builds them up for what's to come.

I use walk-in extensions as my lead up to ground up libs... if they have solid walk-ins...the libs just take some time to get familiar with.  Make sure they are very comfotable and strong before pushing the libs.  I only teach 3 base libs and if they aren't strong enough to get those up...they're not ready for the libs.  Just another way to check I guess.  Don't let the kids push you into it...let them progress as you see them master extension retakes, then walk-in extension to 1 foot retakes...etc.

Let me know if you need a more clear progression or any tips once you start on your libs.  Good Luck!

Steve Michaud
Director of Cheering,
ENA, NJ