Why Off-Season Training is so Important

Pressure... your kid feels it every day.

Pressure to get the grades.

Pressure to make the team.

Pressure about looks.

Pressure about friends.

Pressure to keep up.

And too often, pressure leads to anxiety, panic, and depression. As a coach for over 35 years and a former member of the United States Team, I can assure you of one thing: anxious, stressed out kids don't excel in anything. Let's bring it home to cheer/tumbling/gymnastics...

During the season the pressure is high. I have to get this pass perfected or the coach will not let me tumble. If I don't throw it, we won't get our bid. It will be my fault if we have to re-choreograph everything. What am I gonna do if I don't make the squad/team? The athlete is too anxious to focus, and an athlete who can't focus can't learn. Worse yet, they can even become a danger to themselves.

That is why I love the off season so much. Take all that pressure away and watch their temperature come down. See that smile again. See the pure love of the sport come back. Watch how much they achieve when they don't feel like everyone wants a piece of them.

As the pressure winds down, consider diving in deeper to learning new skills. This is a great time to start a new class, add on a class, or even go premier (unlimited classes).

I know it is impossible for this not to sound like a sales pitch. But as a former athlete, a coach, and a dad to athletes, I can tell you with certainty that OFF SEASON is where the magic happens.

No deadlines.

No ominous demands.

Just happy athletes loving a sport, laughing and learning.

Just some food for thought,

Coach Max Dempsey

5 time National Champion

8 year member of Team USA

PanAmerican gold medalist

Father of 8