In the lead up to a big event (camp, competition, start of the school year), you can maximize the fun for your practices by organizing scheduled theme practices for the team to dress up as and celebrate. All you gotta do is get creative and let the team & parents know so that costumes and outfits can be acquired easily.

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Getting Started:

Sometimes our brains are not as creative as we would like them to be, so then we turn to google or asking friends. One place you may forget to ask is your own team! Give them some power and let them provide some suggestions and examples for outfits so you can possibly use them.

Here are some solid go-to theme practice ideas:

• Disney (includes Star Wars, Pixar, Marvel)
• Nerd/Geek
• Superheroes (all the heroes- DC, Marvel, Ninja Turtles, etc)
• Princess (don’t forget your tiaras)
• School Spirit
• Famous Duos
• College
• 80’s/90’s
• Pajamas
• Throwback (old school spirit wear from the closet or parents)
• Neon
• Sports (everything but cheer)
• Tacky/Mismatch
• Tie Dye
• Patriotic/USA
• Animal Print
• UCA/NCA (wear old camp/competition shirts and apparel)
• Mean Girls
• Zombies
• Bring It On
• Holiday (Christmas, New Years, Valentine’s, Halloween, Thanksgiving, etc)
• Dress Like Coach

Lots of options to choose from! You can even use Theme Practices as an excuse for team bonding too:

Once you got your theme practice ideas, run them past your captains to get their feedback (specifically inquire if they think anyone will take the themes in an inappropriate direction). After that, it’s time to schedule the themes for specific practices.

Be sure to inform your athletes and parents about the upcoming practice wear changes for practices ahead. Something else to remember, wearing theme outfits to practice in the lead up to a trip can make it easier for doing laundry and packing!

Last, but not least: take pictures and post ’em! Get silly and take several pics at the beginning of practice. Do this so no one will get hurt wearing a costume and so that everyone’s outfits look crisp rather than all sweaty in the middle of practice.

Don’t be afraid to mix in some fun and games with the theme practice! Doing so can definitely take the edge off of any upcoming stress. Distract your athletes to help them focus!

If you have a theme practice coming up, be sure to tag me in your pics!