A lot of people in the sports world think of Summer or “offseason” as break time or a time to stop going to the gym and training. However, the ones who are getting better use that time to get a new outlook on things and take time to evaluate where they are and where they want to go. Together my Senior squad and I have already laid out a rough outline for our direction and goals. We looked at things we need to improve and where our strengths are, making sure we further strengthen them.
Goal setting is a vital part of all sports. As many people know goal setting is the first step toward success. It’s a map to use to guide us along the steps we must take to achieve the goal. However, many of us fall short actually following through and achieving what we set out to do. This is because many athletes think that by just saying what they want they will magically just get it.
All of our goals must be broken into many “small goals.” Each small goal is a baby-step toward achieving your big goal. Breaking down the goals into small steps leads to confidence and helps to focus the attention on the important parts.
Athlete, coach and parent(s) should be part of the process of selecting an attainable goal. Then with the guidance of the coach and or parent, put together a strong plan for success to make the goal possible. The following is an example of the goal setting process.
All of our goals must be broken into many “small goals.”
“Betty Backspot is one of the best tumblers in her gym. She’s been last pass and a featured tumbler during the standing tumbling section. Unfortunately she’s been dealing with an ankle injury that has kept her from training the skills she really wants to work. Her goal is to compete a front tuck, step out, round-off, back handspring, whip, layout.”What can she do to achieve her goal?
Here’s a step-by-step example:
- Betty Backspot and her coach decide to focus on each element of the pass individually. Specifically, the entry and exit point of the skills. (this is a major contributing factor to her injury being aggravated.)
- They added additional strength and flexibility work for the ankle to reduce the possibility of re-injuring the ankle once it’s healed.
- Training starts with low-number high-quality/focus repetitions on tumble trak and low-impact drills. They are focusing on areas where she is weak and fixing them.
- After two or three (2-3) weeks half the reps will be tumble trak and drills and the other half will move to a soft-surface floor. Either a spring floor with 4″-8″ thick soft mats or a rod floor.
- At this point the most important two things are; continuing to be consistent with the corrections AND no pain in the ankle. If yes, then one or two (1-2) reps on floor will be incorporated.
- After an additional four to six weeks (4-6) Betty Backspot should be pain-free and properly performing the tumbling well.
Now it’s your turn to set a goal and your steps to achieve it!
And don’t forget, Cheerleading is more than just tumbling… Set a goal for each part of the routine, Jumps, Stunting, Dance and of course Tumbling! I hope this will help you move closer to your goals!
-Post your goals below in the comments or ask for help. Good Luck!
simplexcellence 