When giving skill instruction, I believe explaining the ‘why’ helps kids learn to self-assess their technique, which gives them more opportunity for learning in the future.
But there’s not always time for explanations at practice (and especially games and comp warm-ups), so I’ve also found benefits in the other extreme, which I’d call “2-word instruction.” For example:
- Set longer!
- Bellies touching!
- Soft legs, tight arms (a combo! 🙂 )
- Lines vertical!
It’s a WHAT HOW pattern — WHAT body or skill part you’re commenting on, and HOW to change it. The benefits are that it:
- Saves time (it’s very quick)
- Easy to yell (not that any of you would EVER yell at your squad 🙂 )
- Simple for an athlete to understand
- Easy for an athlete to remember later
So if you’re not already sprinkling in this method, try it and comment below on how it works for you. Good luck!
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