Tumbling for Cheerleaders

[CoachLin]

I have just started coaching tumbling for a group of cheerleader's. I would like to know if anyone has any tips on how to keep them interested in the "gymnastics" part of they're training...they are some what difficult to work with....the cheer coach would like them to be clean and tight....and the cheerleaders don't seem to think they need any work at all....We are currently working on standing back handspring and roundoff backhandspring....Thanks!

[hammy]

What are the ages of the students you're working with? Depending on the ages, I would suggest making up some sort of challenge for them to complete while practicing.

Example: Backhandspring drill champion of the night
Have the students line up and demonstrate the drill one at a time. Judge to yourself how each one has completed the drill. Then, pick the top three girls and name the winner the "backhandspring drill champion of the night."

I've found that students are willing to try harder if they realize that they are being judged or if it's a competition. After doing these sorts of activities I usually try to incorporate that it is important for them to try as hard as they do when it's challenge time every time they do a skill.

[ACoach78]

Cheerleaders are such a waste of gym space.

My suggestion is to do the best that you can in terms of teaching technique. But, at the end of the day...keep them happy and take their money. Quite honestly, that's their true purpose in the gym world...money. If it weren't for the almighty dollar, I guarantee that most gymnastics-focused facilities would not offer a cheer program.

[Geoffrey Taucer]

Quote:
Originally Posted by ACoach78 Cheerleaders are such a waste of gym space. My suggestion is to do the best that you can in terms of teaching technique. But, at the end of the day...keep them happy and take their money. Quite honestly, that's their true purpose in the gym world...money. If it weren't for the almighty dollar, I guarantee that most gymnastics-focused facilities would not offer a cheer program.

Ouch. That was a bit harsh.

If somebody comes in and wants to learn to tumble, they're welcome to learn as far as I'm concerned, regardless of their background. As long as a kid is having fun and learning, I really don't care if they're gymnasts, martial artists, cheerleaders, skaters, or what.

If they're draging their feet, then yes, it's a waste of gym space and coach time, but this is equally true of real gymnasts who don't put forth the full effort.

That said, cheerleader tumbling is pretty ugly most of the time, and can be a real pain to fix.

[CoachLin]

Everyone's replies were helpful and thanks! The girls I am working with range in age from 7 yrs to 14 yrs old...the little one's being quite receptive the older one's not so....Myself working with competitve atlhletes on a regular basis finding form very important, find this very frustrating as their form is very lacking and have to start back at squre one and the girl's seem to find no need in doing so....

[Carmansunshine]

Hi,
Since you seem to be frustrated with the older girls, I would start with a conversation with them. They are there for a reason right? Then they need to be told the are not the almighty tumblers the think they are. I found in our gym, when the coaches are having trouble with the older girls not wanting to comit to a drill the coaches will bring in a young team gymnast with great form to show off. It seems to really inspire a 14 yr old when a 5 year old can do a beautiful rbhs. Then the coach tells them if they want to tumble like that this is how you get there, and if you don't want to tumble like that why are you here. It gives them a whole new respect for what the coach is able to teach. It sounds a little harsh but it usually drives the point home, which isn't always easy with any teenager. Good Luck.

[CoachLin]

That's also another good idea...and I can probably bring in one of our pre-provincial athletes to demonstrate....thanks again!

[Ingymmom]

Our gym coaches seem to feel the same way about cheerleaders as Acoach78 does... perhaps some coaches have had some bad experiences or perhaps they realize how dangerous cheer can be - possibly even more dangerous then gymnastics - but without the conditioning it takes for the acro part. There are some great cheer programs where they require the proper conditioning, but the majority are not and I have seen first hand how downright lazy the older cheerleaders can get and they are usually the base support in building, probably the reason why I witnessed 2 falls that resulted in broken noses last year watching the cheer program in our gym. Staying tight and clean does not just look better but it is required to maintain at least some safety... coach lin first and foremost as a coach you will have to demand the respect required to teach these girls - you may have to be tougher on them but it is only for their own good. I would actually limit the amount of "games" played... it should be fun, but once they get serious and advance in their tecnique that can make gym "fun" all by itself. Good luck, it sounds like you have your work cut out for you - nic

[gracefulone]

I was a cheerleader for three years and I know for a fact that one thing will work. if the moves are sloppy, video tape them and have the girls watch it. Once they see how bad it looks, they will definitely want to work to fix it. When a pyramid/stunt looked bad, our coach would take a picture on her phone. When we saw that it looked like crap, we immediately changed it. Other people will at some point be watching them, and cheerleaders love looking good in front of a crowd.

Also having a younger girl is an awesome idea. That always gets me fired up!

[Ingymmom]

Quote:
Originally Posted by gracefulone Also having a younger girl is an awesome idea. That always gets me fired up!

This may work for some of the older girls, but it also puts more pressure on the younger ones - especially if they are on the same team... unfortunately mine has been in this position before and while it may make the little one feel great at the moment it can sometimes lead the parents to compare their kids as well as the gymnast themselves, leading to some serious issues - and there does not seem to be any healthy about comparing, everyone is different... I guess in my own mind, I assume that kids are working out of their own desire. Mine goes to the gym because she loves it... if they show a lack of desire, it would automatically lead me to believe they are not where they want to be. They have to find the will to succeed within themselves. I think the idea of a snapshot or video taping & showing them how they look is a great idea, that would put a fire under me ... they may just think they are doing it exactly how they are supposed to... just my opinion...