Cheerleading - Keeping Busy During the Off Season

The competition season is wrapping up, but as any cheerleader or cheerleading coach knows - there's never really an off season in cheerleading.
We've put together our list of things to do during the off season to help prepare for your next cheer season. Whether you're a coach or a cheerleader, be sure to check out this list!


Coaches:
Develop a yearly plan. The more organized you are now the easier it will be to stay organized for the entire season. The more you can preplan the calmer you will be when the cheer season arrives.

1) Create a Calendar of Events. Outline the entire year of events to help keep yourself and your cheerleaders organized. Key events that should be on your calendar:
Cheerleading Tryouts
Practices
Camps / Clinics
Fundraising Events
Games
Pep Rallies
Homecoming Events
Competitions
Check out the second edition of Coaching Cheerleading Successfully for a complete list of events to have on your calendar!

2) Gather all necessary Paperwork and Forms for the year. Make a categorized list of any paperwork that will be needed for tryouts, camps, competitions and etc… Example forms include:
Letter to Parents
Parental Permission Forms
Medical Forms
Tryout Checklist/Judging Form
Cheerleader Notebooks (include what is expected of each cheerleader, stunt formations, cheers and chants and etc…)
Assistance Coaches Responsibilities Working Schedule Uniform and Equipment checklist/spreadsheet

3) Set Goals. Set goals and expectations for yourself and your cheerleaders.
What do you want your program to accomplish?
What do you want your cheerleaders to represent?
What kind of coach do you want to be?
What do you want to see from your team?
What is your fundraising goal?

4) Prep Your Cheerleading Supplies Order. Just because your squad isn’t established doesn’t mean you can’t determine what you will be ordering once the squad is chosen. Most cheerleading catalogs are mailed between February 15th and March 15th.

Research each catalog and select the cheerleading shoes, cheerleading uniforms and accessories and any props that you will be ordering. Don’t forget to take a look at the Cheerleading Uniform Creator at cheerzone.com to fully design your uniform. You can select your school colors, striping and best of all lettering. You’ll know exactly what your uniform will look like before you order!

Don’t forget about cheer camp. You can select the cheerleading camp outfits also. Choose the t-shirts and shorts that each cheerleader will need for summer camps.

If you can complete your selections before your squad is chosen you’ll be one step ahead in ordering. We all know that productions times for uniforms can range from 4-10 weeks for custom cheerleading merchandise. Getting your order in early will guarantee it before your season starts. And don’t forget to watch for early bird specials. Most Cheerleading Catalogs will offer discounts to coaches who get their team orders in early! Be sure you’re on the email list to receive the special offers.


Cheerleaders:
Your not just a cheerleader part of the year – you’re a cheerleader the entire year. During the off season you should be thinking about the upcoming season.

1) Stay Involved. Mentor youth recreation leagues or work with your coach and other team members to host a cheerleading camp.

2) Stay Fit. Keep in shape while you’re not cheering. Work on your strength and flexibility.
Stretch while doing homework.
Do push-ups, sit-ups and squats daily.
Run, jog, or walk whenever you can.
Take a tumbling class.
Attend open gyms as often as possible.
Practice your jumps – Practice! Practice! Practice!
Check out the fitness section of our blog for some great workout ideas!

3) Set Goals. Keep a notebook with a list of your goals and progress so you can see for yourself that you truly are making progress. Give yourself something to work toward for the upcoming season.

4) Keep In Touch. Keep in touch with your teammates and coaches. It’s important to keep that bond even in the off season. Work with your teammates and coaches to create your list of goals and expectations. Together you can keep each other motivated.