How to Be a Good Coach for Cheerleading

Cheerleading coaches have very difficult jobs, routinely wearing several hats with their teams: coach, mentor, role model, friend and mother. Cheerleading coaches must deal with the problems of practice, preparation and issues in the lives of their cheerleaders. Being a good cheerleading coach requires time, dedication, patience and sometimes a stern hand, but the rewards of watching your squad perform to their abilities are endless and often why coaches sign up for the task.

Instructions

    • 1

      Set clear rules and expectations at the outset of the cheerleading season. Good coaches must delineate what is expected of each cheerleader, setting parameters for appropriate and inappropriate behavior. Establish and reinforce practice times, practice routines, how you will handle drama between squad members and disciplinary procedures when missing a practice or game.

    • 2

      Hold regular practices, strongly emphasizing fundamentals. Whether your squad is a competitive or spirit squad, it is essential that cheerleaders practice on regular schedules to maintain fitness, precision and timing. Drill all motions until they become second nature.

    • 3

      Schedule frequent team-building activities. Cheerleading requires both physical and mental fitness. Maintaining enthusiasm during games and competitions is vital, and one quick threat to that is damaged morale or team dissension. Thus, team-building activities, such as trips to the movies, to dinner, and more, can help reduce drama between squad members and maintain a positive atmosphere.

    • 4

      Be fair. Nothing damages the trust between the coach and cheerleader more than instances of favoritism, real or imagined. Treat all squad members with the same level of dignity and respect, then demand complete reciprocity for you and among all squad members. Do not be afraid to reprimand or discipline.

    • 5

      Maintain fitness. Opinions on weightlifting vary among cheerleading coaches, but good aerobic exercise keeps their endurance high; thus, they can maintain spunk and good technique throughout the course of a game or competition.