Key 6: Never Give up on Your Team

When we became coaches, we likely had the view that we are going to make a difference in the lives of our athletes and that we were going to build an incredible program.  While our intentions are good and we pour in significant work to build a good cheer program, sometimes things happen.  Sometimes you experience challenges you did not expect.  Some years are just hard.  

I have had my fair share of those seasons.  The challenges begin to impact practice and performance.  As most coaches would agree, I love having productive practices and amazing performances. When the challenging issues start arising, it impacts productive practices, which also impacts how we perform.  Naturally, I want to drive the team harder, but I have learned over the years to step back. There is something deeper going on that is impacting the team.  

This might seem obvious, but your athletes are people first. The dynamics of what goes on in their daily lives from school, to friends, to home life will impact every aspect of their being.  It will impact cheer.  When you are not getting what you want out of your team, look deeper.  What are the underlying issues going on?  What can you do as a coach to help them?  

This might mean stopping practice and talking with them. You might need to have individual meetings or small group meetings.  You might need to take a break and do non-cheer activities with your team for several practices. 

I have learned, and sometimes the hard way, that our teams want to know we believe in them and that we care.  This is not just shown by having great practices and “hit zero” performances.  They want to know that you care about them outside cheer.  When they know you care, you can show them that you believe in them and will never give up on them.