Certainly, a troupe of 70 girls is impressive on the football field, stretching from goal to goal in a single high kick line or shifting like a kaleidoscope from triangles to squares to diamond formations on the contest floor.
However, until this point, we have assumed that all 70 girls know each count and placement, that each takes responsibility for her technique and performance. We assume the dance as a team.
So let's suppose they don't. They still span the gridiron, but one side of the line kicks at a different tempo than the other. Girls who sloughed off in practice throw kicks, other hunch, and smiles??? Where are the smiles??? Instead of being captivated by the synchronized sequins and pretty splits, the audience may wonder why they are still watching instead of making a nacho run.
There's a saying: "Bigger is better," but on a drill team, BETTER is better. Bigger better is just a bonus. In the minds of the audience, performance is the only goal of a drill team. While there is much than simply football games and pep rallies, performance is still an important function that cannot be taken lightly. Anyone familiar with drill teams knows that precision and uniformity are at the core of such dance, and even those viewers who don't know what a toe-point is will be more impressed with a polished routine.
Ability, skill, and experience are beneficial to a team, but even more important are enthusiasm, determination, perfection, and PRACTICE. When team members complain about practicing, choreography, and other teammates, it's hard for the remainder of the group to be excited. EACH person on the team auditioned for her spot - there are probably ten girls in line wishing to be in it. Drill team is a privilege - and definitely an exciting one! Lack of enthusiasm, even during sweaty practice, weakens a team, and it shows in performance.
Like any other dancer, a drill team member cannot give up. She must continue to stretch and practice and go over routines in her head. When a team decides they cannot do something, they can't. Persistence pays off.
Practice is certainly the most tedious part of a drill team, but it is one of the most important. No matter how many girls there are on the line, it is IMPOSSIBLE to fulfill their potential without making every minute of practice count. That means listening for changes, doing things full out, and fixing mistakes.
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