Private Lessons. What are they? Are they required? Are they worth it?
Maybe you’re thinking, “Say whaaaa? I’m already paying for practice three times a week, competitions, uniforms, and don’t even get me started on all the money I spend on eating out since I have zero time to cook between all the cheer commitments. Now you want me to spend MORE time and money on private lessons?”
…or maybe that was just me when I first heard about private lessons.
As we all know, cheer is a team sport. It requires all hands on deck, and when one person misses practice, everyone is affected. That’s why all that practice is so important. I believe that a team is only as good as the quality time it spends together inside (and outside) of practice.
Team practice is just that: team practice. Your athlete will never get individual attention in a team practice, because the focus is not on him or her and their individual tumbling skills. When it comes to the routine, your athlete either has the skills or they don’t. There isn’t time for teaching a skill in a team class.
When it comes to improving on your athlete’s individual skills and moving up to the next level, while not usually required by the gym, additional classes and private lessons are where it happens.
Here are other benefits of private lessons:
√ Private lessons help your athlete by giving them personalized, one on one attention they wouldn’t get in a class or team practice.
√ They can help your athlete advance in all disciplines (tumbling, stretching, jumping, etc.)
√ A private lesson allows coaches to see what your athlete is working toward, and what they can do. I’m convinced that this can give your athlete an advantage during evaluations/tryouts, because the coaches already know what he or she can do, regardless of whether or not they throw the skill perfectly during evaluation. I have no proof of this, but it’s a personal theory I will always stand behind, whether a coach will admit it or not!
√ One-on-one lessons allow the athlete and the coach to get to know each other better.
√ Parents are always allowed to watch a private lesson, so this will give you insight into where your athlete may be struggling or need extra time working on.
√ In a team practice, athletes work on things like timing and transitions, but in a private lesson, your athlete will learn better technique to improve his or her skills.
Not quite ready for private lessons? Here are a couple of time and money saving alternatives:
Enroll your athlete in a small, group tumbling class
Many gyms will allow team athletes to take a class for free or at a discount. Your athlete may receive more focused attention from a coach, even with just a few other kids in their tumbling class.
Split a private lesson with a friend
There’s nothing wrong with grabbing a friend and taking a shared private lesson. Just like when you work out with a friend, it encourages friendly competition and pushes you just a little bit more! The best part? You can split the cost with the other parent!
Comment below and tell us: Does your athlete take private lessons?
