Ask Allie: How Do I Ask My Coach for Help?

Cheering is a very stressful sport, as a cheerleader's perfectionism is visible from any seat in the bleachers. A five minute routine can easily take countless hours of hard work and dedication for a polished end result. However, some maneuvers can be fairly complicated and may need some extra care to run seamlessly during a routine. If you’re struggling to perfect the moves on your own, it may be the time to go to your coach for help. Sometimes asking for help can be scary, but in the end, it’s what will help improve your performance and your team!

Breaking The Ice

First off, you're trying to correct something that you'd like to look better... so there's nothing to feel bad about. If you waited until last minute to correct a routine, that's when a small issue becomes a serious problem. It's better to correct a problem early on before it's too late. With this being said, here's a few approaches to use if you have a question for a stunt or move that needs some attention from your coach.

• Ask Before Practice - Asking before practice begins helps a lot. This way the coach can fit what you'd like assistance with into practice without singling out an individual, as the team is working together. Chances are you may not be the only person with the issue and you're doing them a favor as well. Make sure your question is addressed a bit before practice, so it doesn't interfere with their schedule. Asking after practice can be difficult, as everyone wants to go home and many things to be added to next practice may be forgotten.

• Leave A Message/Note - If your coach truly has a heart that rivals Frosty The Snowman, leaving a note may be a great idea. If the coach is a teacher, you have nothing to worry about. Just leave something formal ("Hi, how are you") and get to the issue. Let them know you appreciate their dedication to the craft and you'll be in great standing again with no harm done. If you have their phone number and they're not a teacher, leave a voicemail over the weekend or before the next practice so they know what you'd like to work on.

Following these tips will help you get the answers you're looking for, as your coach wants you to perform to the best of your ability as well!