In this episode of The Cheer Biz Podcast, Dan shares his most effective (and hard-earned) strategies for motivating teens and pre-teens in cheerleading, based on 22+ years of coaching, behavioral science, and real-world experience.

You’ll learn:

How to use fake control to boost buy-in without sacrificing structure

Why purpose-driven coaching beats generic praise

How to leverage peer pressure, short-term wins, and energy regulation for consistent performance

When to tap into your athletes’ “villain arc” for next-level focus

And why effort is a behavior—not a vibe

Whether you're a coach or gym owner, this episode is packed with powerful, practical tools to connect with Gen Z athletes and get the most out of your practices.

 Listen in—and don’t forget to share this one with your coaching staff.