History of Cheerleading Cheerleading first started at Princeton University in the 1880s with the crowd chant, as a way to encourage school spirit at football games. A few years later, Princeton graduate Thomas Peebles introduced the idea of organized crowd chanting to the University of Minnesota in 1894, but it was not until 1898 that…

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Ladder agility drills are an excellent way to improve foot speed, agility, coordination and overall quickness. They are an integral part of many SAQ programs and compliment many different sports and events. Speed ladder drills are about quality and form rather than producing overload. The drills are not meant to leave you fatigued or breathless…

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By breaking sprinting technique into its component parts you can focus on and improve specific phases of the action. Good sprinting technique has some of the following characteristics (1): START PHASE i) Bodyweight evenly distributed over four contact points in the start position (i.e. hands and knees). Front knee angle is ~90o, rear knee angle ~100-130o.…

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Dynamic Stretches & Stretching Routine Dynamic stretches are best incorporated into your warm up routine before training or a competition. More recently, clinical studies have shown that traditional static stretching exercise may be detrimental to sports involving powerful movements. Dynamic stretches seem to be more effective at reducing muscle stiffness, which is thought to increase the likelihood…

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Core Strength Training Core strength training may be a relatively new, buzz term in the fitness industry but coaches and athletes have understood its value for many years. The core region consists of far more than just the abdominal muscles. In fact core strength training aims to target all the muscles groups that stabilize the…

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Static Stretching Exercises & Flexibility Program Stretching exercises should form an integral part of any conditioning program. Performed consistnetly, the stretching exercises below can help to do the following…   Increase the range of motion about a joint reducing the risk of muscle and tendon tears during competitive activity. Relieve muscle tightness and stiffness. Improve postural imbalances…

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These sample speed training drills are designed to develop quick feet, power and acceleration.  Here some general guidelines to bear in mind…   A typical speed session might consist of 5 sets of 10 repetitions in total. You could do 1 set of each of the speed training drills below or choose 3 drills and do 1-2…

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PREVENTING HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES As the season approaches and the weather becomes more intense in many parts of the country, it is wise to keep these tips in mind when running a football practice this summer.   WHAT COACHES SHOULD KNOW ·         Heat-related illnesses are caused when an individual is subjected to extreme temperature and humidity and…

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“At Georgia Southern, we don’t cheat. That costs money and we don’t have any.” Erk Russell / Georgia Southern.   “Football is only a game. Spiritual things are eternal. Nevertheless, Beat Texas.” Seen on a church sign in Arkansas prior to the 1969 game.   “After you retire, there’s only one big event left….and I…

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