Use of guidance and feedback: Verbal.

The idea

Verbal guidance is guidance given through spoken words. A coach may instruct, cue, encourage or correct a performer, for example saying "keep your head still" before a golf putt or "press early" during a defensive drill. It is flexible and immediate because the coach can adjust the message during or between attempts. It works best when the learner understands the terminology and can process the information, so it suits learners who have some basic understanding and can link words to movement. Long or complex instructions can overload a beginner, so short, precise cues are more effective. Verbal guidance is often combined with visual guidance, such as a demonstration followed by a key cue, and with feedback after the attempt.

What earns the marks

• Verbal guidance uses spoken words to instruct, cue, encourage or correct a performer, for example a coach saying "keep your head still" during a golf putt.
• Short, precise cues are more effective than long explanations, especially for beginners who may be overloaded by too much information.
• Verbal guidance is often combined with visual guidance, such as a demonstration followed by a key teaching point.
• Verbal guidance can also provide feedback, but guidance and feedback are distinct concepts: guidance supports learning before or during the attempt, while feedback evaluates the attempt.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Thinking verbal guidance means any talking by the coach.

  Put it right: It must be guidance aimed at improving the performer's movement or understanding.

• Giving long technical explanations to beginners.

  Put it right: Short cues linked to a demonstration are more effective because they reduce information overload.

• Assuming verbal guidance works equally for all learners.

  Put it right: Its success depends on the learner's understanding, attention and stage of learning.

• Confusing verbal guidance with feedback.

  Put it right: Guidance is information to shape the next attempt, while feedback is information about what has already happened.

Exam tips

• Use a specific sporting example of a spoken cue, such as "bend your knees" before a volleyball dig, to show understanding.
• Explain why verbal guidance suits a particular learner, for example because they can understand technical terms and apply them.
• If a question asks for a limitation, refer to information overload or the need for the learner to understand the language.