Psychology: Guidance

Psychology: Guidance

Understanding Guidance in Sport Psychology

  • Guidance is the assistance athletes receive during physical activity to improve their performance.

  • It comes in many forms, but is often divided into two categories: verbal and non-verbal.

  • Verbal Guidance is instruction delivered using words. This could be explanation, feedback, or advice given to the athlete.

  • Non-verbal Guidance refers to visual, manual or mechanical demonstrations used to guide an athlete.

  • Verbal and non-verbal guidance can be used together in a method known as visual-verbal guidance.

Benefits of Guidance in Sport

  • Guidance helps athletes to understand what is required and how to achieve it.

  • It provides feedback, allowing athletes to correct errors and improve skills.

  • Guidance helps to make learning and training more structured and efficient.

  • It fosters motivation and helps athletes to establish performance goals.

Types of Verbal Guidance

  • Direct Verbal Guidance: The coach gives instruction directly to the athlete detailing how to perform the activity.

  • Indirect Verbal Guidance: Involves questions, suggestions, or discussion to stimulate athlete’s problem-solving skills.

  • Feedback: This offers the athlete an insight into their performance and ways to improve it.

Types of Non-Verbal Guidance

  • Visual: The coach or other athletes demonstrate how to perform a particular skill or movement.

  • Manual Guidance: The coach physically manipulates the athlete’s body into the correct position for a certain skill or movement.

  • Mechanical Guidance: Equipment or devices (like harnesses or support ropes) are used to guide athletes into performing a certain action.

Applying Guidance

  • Selection of guidance type depends on the athlete’s abilities, age, experience, and the nature of the activity.

  • For beginners, a combination of visual and direct verbal guidance is usually beneficial.

  • For advanced athletes, a combination of feedback and indirect verbal guidance can help improve strategy and techniques.