When it comes to competing and performing, especially in exhibition, your job on the drill deck is to minimize and cover up any mistakes you make to avoid detection from the watchful eyes of the judging corps. However, in an effort to do so, you may be missing key factors preventing your team from sharpening their performance. After you complete a segment of drill or repetition of a movement, insist that each cadet freeze. The natural urge of each cadet is to correct their mistakes immediately, sometimes without thinking. Insisting that each individual freeze until given directions otherwise is a good way to catch and prevent any bad habits before they slip through the cracks. After all, if everyone moves and adjusts immediately, how will anyone know where the issues start?
This week’s DTD Challenge:
Try this method with your team and tell us on Facebook how it worked:
1) Tell your team to execute a movement or sequence of drill. Instruct them to freeze immediately when the movement is completed.
2) When you command, “Check!” have each cadet visually inspect themselves WITHOUT moving or adjusting their body positioning. Instruct them that they may move their heads and eyes only.
3) When you command, “Adjust!” have each cadet fix the mistakes they noticed.
4) Have the cadets complete the same sequence again using the same process. See how many errors are fixed without any correction from the commander or coach.
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