There is no secret that Summer is the most treasured time of year for a good majority of people.

It certainly is my favorite!!

From barbequing with friends and family, to hanging at the pool or beach, to simply being able to take a step back and enjoy, for what many of us, is the most pleasant time period to be outside vs. the rest of the year, Summertime holds a special part in many of our hearts.

This being said, when committed to a sport, Summer can be a very challenging time for some of our young athletes to get focused and hone in on practices, etc. without being distracted by some of the alluring activities that come along with the months of June, July, and August.

Even the most motivated of athletes, can often face the temptation of what Summer has to offer when confronted with the reality of a day relaxing in front of a pool that gets cut short due to an evening practice obligation.

While school sports are obviously put on hold (for the most part) over the Summer months, many club sports continue to function and for those athletes that are involved with the most competitive of teams within their individual sports, there are typically only minimum break periods over the Summer.

In fact, there are some (myself included) who would argue that the most important time to put in the work in improving yourself as an athlete is, literally, over the course of the Summer.

Why is this?

A long time ago, I saw a caption with a picture of the iconic football coach Vince Lombardi which perhaps best sums up the answer, to paraphrase:

“Somewhere, someone is practicing, and when you meet them, they will beat you. Unless that someone practicing is you.”

There are tons of athletes in all different sports that epitomize the reality of what is being referenced in this quote and Summertime is the perfect time to truly separate those that are the most serious, from those that are participating in a chosen sport as some type of leisurely pastime.

All Star Cheer is the PERFECT example of this.

Although competition season is not until November/December through the following May, how well teams end up doing in comp season can many times be greatly influenced by how much work is put in by programs over the course of the previous Summer.

Varying All Star programs certainly have different approaches to Summer practice, their accompanying attendance policies, and the like.

However, the very best, most hardworking athletes recognize the value of Summer practice attendance.

Whether at team practices where most teams begin to learn and incorporate their choreography, or at skill-focused practices where great lengths are taken by athletes looking to achieve their newest tumble skill level, Summer practices could not be more important for those looking to maximize their potential in the sport.

There are definitely plenty of athletes who try to take every opportunity possible to get as much time away from practice in the Summer as they can (it is probably easy to think, “Who could blame them??”).

While rest is absolutely critical for allowing the body to regenerate itself, Summer is the ideal time to take advantage of extra practice to work on various aspects of a whole number of elements within the sport, without the pressure of competition looming over us.

Finding someone that does not enjoy at least some aspect of Summer would be a very hard-pressed thing to do, balancing the enjoyment of Summer with an opportune time to truly advance yourself as an athlete though, is a challenge which is ultra-important for those involved in the highest levels of their individual sports to thoroughly embrace. Find us on Cheer up Athletics