Congrats! You’re officially in guard.
You’ve got a schedule laid out, some equipment, and an idea of what it’s all about. You probably also still have some questions and uncertainty.
As you go into your first rehearsal, here are some things to remember that’ll help your confidence.
Learn how to count & learn guard etiquette.
A lot of people that go into guard have experience with music, but if finding the beat in songs and combining choreography with music is difficult for you, then work on that.
Grab a teammate and practice guard basics, like drop spins or jazz walks, with a metronome or with music. Being comfortable with counts will help you big time, especially with show drill.
On the note of getting familiar with basics, make sure you pay attention to guard etiquette. Depending on your team or band, there may be some rules or customs that are just common practice.
To be polite, pay attention to the instructions from staff at the beginning of the season about any of this. If you don’t hear instructions or if you need clarification, ask a coach or captain.
A couple examples of guard etiquette from my teams are when staff says “set” or “relax.” “Set” means to get into a starting position, ready to do work, and “relax” means that you can stop spinning or doing work.
Be supportive of your teammates.
Becoming friends with your teammates is an absolute must.
It’ll be awkward talking to them all at first, but getting to know your team makes everything so much fun. A simple “Hi, I’m ____” or a little compliment is great. Your staff might even set up some icebreaker activities at the start of the season.
I’ve made some amazing friendships through guard, and I’m so thankful I got out of my shell. Treat them with the respect and support you want going into the season.
Listen to your instructor - ask if you are confused.
Like talking to your teammates, talking to your coach(es) might be hard.
Though you may feel shy at first, you’ll get more comfortable with them as the season goes on. Remember that staff is there to help you, so be open to communication!
If it helps, start by greeting them before rehearsal, or occasionally asking questions one-on-one. This can help you get over the shyness.
Be early and present.
Always try to show up early to every rehearsal. This gives you time to set down your stuff and be ready to go when it starts.
You can also chat with your teammates and hangout for a bit. I’ve had many funny moments with my friends before rehearsal, and it helps start rehearsal on a good note.
Prioritizing your attendance will show your staff and team your commitment to the activity. It helps you and sets a good example for others.
Being attentive and on top of your stuff is a very valuable leadership skill.
Stretch.
Stretching before and after rehearsals is really important. It helps prevent injury and increase flexibility.
Guard is a physical activity that uses all parts of the body, so it’s important to build healthy habits like stretching. Stretching will make you feel much better going into rehearsals. I’d suggest really focusing on stretching wrists, arms, and legs.
Practice, practice, practice.
Practicing the things you learn in rehearsal outside of rehearsal will help you improve and retain your skills.
Whether that’s in your house, backyard, or open gym, practicing anything at all helps. You can also meet up with teammates and practice together, which is a good bonding experience.
When you start learning show work, this will help you build confidence in your performance.
Keep going and be your own cheerleader.
It’s not going to be sunshine and rainbows all the time, but guard really is awesome.
There are going to be a lot of learning curves, but you have to persevere. Things will become much smoother as the season goes on. You’ll learn a lot of new skills, make new friends, and create special memories.
Trust the process and don’t blame yourself for being at a rookie level. Everybody starts somewhere.
Do you have any tips for a new color guard member? Share in the comments below!
