Time to clean it up!

Well finally I am able to do a little bit of typing and getting back into the swing of things. Of course I am still not able to walk about but I am getting closer each day. My hand still has a little longer but I am learning to type with my splint. New skill learned!

OK practice is going pretty well... just need to be a whole lot cleaner! Fabulous ladies you know the routine and your counts. Now we just need to clean it up! Let's have a serious talk like we did last night at practice. A few things need to be worked on to be a good level 2 team. Just because you can attempt a level 2 skill does not mean you will credit for it unless you do it well. The judges won't know how far you have come but will only judge you on how well you do the skills. So here are the following things I want everyone to really think about when you are doing your skills:

1. Backhandsprings (running and standing): All BHS need to have legs and arms together. We understand that when you learn at first it is hard to control those arms and legs. Some of you are newbies to the BHS but lets really focus on squeezing and being tight while you tumble. Hello arms and legs! Yep that's right most of you have them all over the place! Squeeze! Remember if you are gonna do it let's do it the right way, not just flip. :) Can you imagine what my BHS would look like right now? Yikes! I bet I would have to squeeze too!
2. Stunts ( libs, baskets, mount): We seem to be a little inconsistent with our stunts lately. You don't need the fronts! I know you can do it! If they can hit some of the time then they can hit all the time! Fliers squeeze and be tight. Bases be belly to belly and use your legs! Backs be careful not to push forward and control your stunt...we don't call you the queen for nothing! Everyone do your job every time so your stunts hit every time.
3. Motions (cheer and dance): OK everyone knows the motions in the routine... however all motions have to be done at the right level and tightly. Remember when I count like a drill Sargent and your motions get sharper? When the music is on you have to count like that in your head. Everyone think about being sharp with each movement. Be just like a robot with each move. I look pretty funny waving my arms around with that pink splint but I am trying to get you to be tighter.
4. Walking in clean: Hello! This one is easy. Practice at home walking around your house in clean. Let's not loose any points by not moving in clean. Hanging your hands at your side is not being clean. You must squeeze your arms at your side for it to count. I will practice hopping in clean since I can't walk in clean. :) How funny will that be!

Good news is that I have seen a lot of you improve on all that is listed above. Most of you just have to be reminded over and over to do them. Well it is time for it to become a habit. Before long we won't have to remind you because you will just automatically do it. Everyone practice at home. Remember it is only worth doing if you are doing it correctly.

Great job ladies! Don't forget I am looking for sharp cheerleaders at every practice for the whole practice, not just the beginning.

Coach Heather