The Highs and Lows of Travel Season
January kicks off what many of us know as Nationals or
Travel Season in All Star Cheer. The competitions are closer together and the
pressure is on for teams to be at their peak for these major two day events.
This is when athletes need to ensure they are taking care of their bodies by
eating properly, icing after practice and stretching on off days to ensure
rest/recovery is key. Just like any other sport, this is the most critical
element to ensuring peak athletic performance, but it is often the most overlooked
in cheer. Parents, it is critical you are ensuring your athlete are taking care
of their bodies on their off days.
With travel season comes
routine changes. I have a saying that I’ve used a lot this season: “Trust me
now, believe me later.” As coaches, sometimes our changes to routines are not
understood by parents. Trust that our coaching staff know the score sheet and
knows the team well enough to put the best routine on the floor, even if that
means stunt groups are removed, positions are changed or skills are watered,
removed or added. There are so many factors that go in to why coaches make
routine changes. Just trust the process.
Parents, it is important
that you are prepared for travel season as well. Have your checklists ready. What to pack,
where the venue is, what type of parking is available and the bag policies for
each venue. Map out your day and, if you
can, pack healthy snacks and water for your athlete.
This part of the season
goes by so fast, and before you know it, May is here. Enjoy the ride!!
-Mandi
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