Guidance

Section: Understanding Guidance

Comprehend that guidance in sports psychology involves the methods used by coaches to help individuals learn or improve a skill.
Recognise that its importance is not just in learning new skills, but also in ensuring that learned skills can be performed effectively.
Remember that in sport, guidance can come in various forms, and different types suit different individuals based on numerous factors such as ability, experience, and complexity of the skill.

Section: Types of Guidance

Understand the four main types of guidance: visual, verbal, mechanical, and manual.
Visual guidance involves showing the individual how to perform the skill. This could be via demonstrations, diagrams or video replays.
Appreciate that verbal guidance is sharing instructions or advice through spoken language. In sport, this is particularly useful for highlighting key aspects of technique or strategy.
Know that mechanical guidance involves the use of aids to help an individual learn a skill. This might include floats in swimming or harnesses in gymnastics.
Realise that manual guidance is typically the physical manipulation of an individual to demonstrate a skill or position. This is often used in learning complex or potentially dangerous skills.

Section: Effective Guidance

Understand that the effectiveness of guidance can depend on factors such as the individual’s ability, the nature of the skill, and the performance environment.
Recognise the importance of adapting the type and level of guidance based on the individual and the context.
Include a mix of types of guidance, often referred to as ‘multimodal guidance’, is often most effective in supporting learning and skill development.

Section: Guidance and Feedback

Learn that guidance and feedback are closely linked. Effective feedback can reinforce the guidance provided and further support skill learning and development.
Realise that feedback can be intrinsic (internal feedback from own body) or extrinsic (provided externally, maybe verbally by a coach) just like in the information processing stages.
Understand that feedback should be constructive and timely to help correct errors, reinforce good techniques, and build self-confidence.

Section: The Role of Guidance in Psychology of Sports

Appreciate the role of guidance which enhances performance by improving technique and reducing the risk of injury.
Realise its impact on an individual’s motivation, confidence, and self-efficacy - essential psychological factors in sports.
Understand that consistent, effective guidance can scaffold the learning process, ensuring steady progress and skill development in sports.