Unless you are into an activity/sport for purely the social aspects (and in competitive Cheer, every Coach on the planet is praying that this is NOT the case with you!), practicing simply when you have scheduled ‘Team Practices’ is going to severely limit your ability to realize your potential.

It just is.

There is really no way to sugar coat it.

In All Star Cheerleading, practicing outside of team practices is VERY important for several reasons. To be successful, athletes must master a variety of skills, including stunts, jumps, and tumbling amongst others.

Here’s why ‘Individual Practice’ – practice outside of regular ‘Team Practice’ – is key:

Skill Improvement

Individual practice allows athletes to focus on their personal skills. During team practice, the coach’s attention is divided among all team members. This means there might not be enough time to work on everyone’s individual needs. By practicing separately, athletes can spend extra time on areas where they need improvement, whether it’s perfecting a back handspring, working on their flexibility, or refining their motions.

Building Strength, Endurance, & Flexibility

All Star Cheer requires A LOT of physical strength and endurance as well as flexibility. Consistent individual practice helps athletes build necessary muscle strength and stamina. For example, athletes often need to lift other teammates or hold certain positions for a long time during stunts. Practicing exercises like push-ups, sit-ups, and running can help build the strength and endurance needed for these tasks. Participating in classes such as a ‘Stretch Class’ is also an excellent way to help excel individual preparation in this area!

Perfecting Techniques

Individual practice is also essential for perfecting techniques. In All Star Cheer, precision is crucial. Motions and skills must be executed perfectly to avoid injuries and to look good during routine performances. Practicing alone gives cheerleaders the opportunity to work on the fine details of their techniques. For instance, they can practice the exact timing of a jump or the correct form of a tumble skill, ensuring that these moves are sharp and clean during team routines.

Boosting Confidence

Confidence is a big part of performing well in All Star Cheer. When athletes practice on their own, they gain more confidence in their abilities. Knowing that they have put in the extra work can make them feel more prepared and less nervous during performances and competitions. This confidence can make a huge difference in how they perform as part of the team.

Learning Responsibility

Practicing individually teaches athletes responsibility and discipline. It shows that they are committed to improving and taking their sport seriously. Coaches and teammates appreciate when members put in extra effort because it shows dedication. This responsibility helps athletes in other areas of their lives too, such as school and future careers.

Preventing Injuries

Regular individual practice can also help in preventing injuries. Cheerleading involves many high-risk moves, and improper execution can lead to serious injuries. By practicing outside of team practices, athletes can better ensure they are executing moves correctly and safely. This reduces the risk of accidents during team practices and performances.

Enhancing Team Performance

When each member of the team practices individually and improves their skills, the overall performance of the team is enhanced. Cheerleading is a team sport, and every individual’s performance affects the group. If one person makes a mistake, it can affect the whole routine. By practicing individually, cheerleaders can ensure they are at their best, which helps the team perform better as a whole.

Developing New Skills

Individual practice is a great time to learn and try new skills. Sometimes, there isn’t enough time during team practices to explore new skills or techniques. Practicing alone or one-on-one with a qualified Coach allows athletes to experiment and learn new things that they can later bring to the team. This keeps the routines fresh and exciting.

Practicing outside of team practices can prove to be crucial in All Star Cheer.

The benefits that can be attained outside of normal team practices are immeasurable and make individual practice an essential part of becoming as successful an All Star Cheerleader as one could possibly hope to be.