Types of Guidance

1. Types of Guidance Learning Objectives: To be able to name and describe 3 types of guidance. To be able to explain how each style is most effectively used.

2. 3 Types of Guidance • Visual Guidance – the use of images or demonstrations to help a learner • Verbal Guidance – the use of speech to describe the desired movement or the use of key words to cue the learner’s attention • Mechanical/manual Guidance – the production of the correct movement by the use of mechanical aids or by support of the coach

3. Visual Guidance Visual guidance can be done through demonstrations, still images (posters etc), or moving images (video, slow motion etc) To ensure effective visual guidance: • The demonstration must be accurate • The learner’s attention should be drawn to key points (cueing) • The learner must be able to see all essential parts • The skill should be attainable/achievable • Allow time for mental rehearsal • Combine with verbal guidance

4. Verbal Guidance Verbal guidance is often used alongside visual. The key points about the effective use of verbal guidance are: • It is most often used with visual guidance, especially for beginners • It is useful when drawing attention to key points (cueing) • It must be kept brief (to avoid confusion) • It can be used during a movement for more advanced performers • It must be kept clear and precise

5. Mechanical/Manual Guidance The key points for the use of manual guidance are: • It gives ‘kinaesthetic feel’ to the performer • It is useful for individuals, but not large groups • Helpful at the early stages of learning a difficult or dangerous skill • It is useful when correcting an element of a movement. Manual guidance should be stopped as early as possible to avoid the performer becoming reliant on it.