Get our FREE Cheerleading Mindset Printable HERE so you can add it to your Coaching Binder
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One secret to being a GREAT Coach is your MINDSET! It’s about your beliefs in yourself and what your team is capable of. Sometimes, even the most experienced coaches doubt themselves and that is completely NORMAL.
As you go through your journey, below are some mindset stories and phrases to keep in mind.
Tip 1: Find some of the stories or phrases that REALLY resonate with you and write them in your Coaching Binder where you can see them before each practice.
Tip 2: Find some phrases that you want to share with your captains and your team before practice to get them motived!
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New Coaching Stories – Remember YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
- “I remember my first year. I was terrified and convinced that if a stunt fell, it meant I was a failure. Now I know that it is normal to “fall” as long as you get back up!”
- “As I look back, I was feeling SO OVERWHELMED in my first year. Now, I know that didn’t mean that I was underqualified because what my team REALLY needed was my leadership and confidence in ME that I was going to do my best!”
- “I used to think “a real coach” had expert cheerleading skills and had several years of experience. It turns out a simple plan, a clear focus, and a calm voice is what made my team trust me. Expert cheer skills came later.”
- “I remember walking into my first practice smiling on the outside and panicking on the inside. That nervous feeling wasn’t a warning sign—it was proof I cared enough to do this well.”
- “I used to replay every mistake after games like a highlight reel of failure. Then I noticed my cheerleaders were replaying my encouragement—so I chose to lead from my heart with confidence, not fear.”
Here are some Cheerleading Coaching Mindset Phrases to keep you on track:
Permission to be a New Coach – Overcoming Imposter Syndrome:
- Every Legend in this sport was once a New Coach showing up for their first practice.
- You don’t have to have all the answers; you just need the humility to find them.
- Don’t measure your “Chapter 1” against another coach’s “Chapter 20.”
The Learning Curve and Handling Mistakes:
- You will create bad choreography. It’s a rite of passage; fix it and move on.
- A messy practice is just a rough draft; don’t judge your ability by the chaos.
- Admitting “I was wrong” earns you more respect than pretending you were right.
Managing the “Noise” including Parents & Drama:
- Listen to the parents, but lead the team.
- Set your boundaries early; you teach people how to treat you.
- If you make decisions based on safety, you never have to apologize.
The “Why” and Staying Motivated:
- You are building memories, not just pyramids.
- Your first trophy isn’t something you can put on your shelf; it’s a team that returns for next season.
Here are some Mindset Phrases to help motivate your Cheerleaders:
General Cheerleading Inspiration to Improve Confidence and Fun:
- “You don’t have to be perfect—you just have to be full of heart.”
- “Your smile is part of the routine—wear it like it’s your superpower.”
- “Every 8-count is a chance to get stronger, sharper, and more confident.”
- “Be proud of how far you’ve come—and bold about where you’re going.”
Inspiration for Events and Games to Lead the Crowd with Pride:
- “We don’t wait for the crowd to get loud—we start the loud.”
- “Your job is to be the spark—one clap can light up the whole stadium.”
- “Lead the stands like you own the moment—because you do.”
- “When you bring the spirit, you change the game—before the first play.”
Cheer Competition Inspiration for Focus and Performance Mindset:
- “One team. One sound. One moment—make it unforgettable.”
- “Breathe in confidence, breathe out doubt—then hit like you mean it.”
- “You’ve trained for this—now perform with joy and precision.”
- “Nerves are just energy—turn them into power.”
- “When the music starts, your mind gets quiet and your training takes over.”
Get our FREE Cheerleading Mindset Printable HERE so you can add it to your Coaching Binder
