What are the 4 types of guidance in PE?

The four types are visual (seeing a demonstration), verbal (hearing instructions), manual (physical support from a coach), and mechanical (using equipment like a harness or stabilisers). Each type suits different learners and skill stages.

When should a coach use visual guidance?

Visual guidance is best for beginners in the cognitive stage of learning, as it provides a clear mental image of the skill. It's also useful for complex skills where words alone are insufficient, such as a gymnastics routine or a tennis serve.

What is the difference between manual and mechanical guidance?

Manual guidance involves the coach physically moving the learner's body (e.g., guiding their arms during a swimming stroke). Mechanical guidance uses equipment (e.g., a float or a harness) to support the learner. Both reduce fear but manual is more hands-on.

Why is verbal guidance not always effective?

Verbal guidance can be confusing for beginners who don't yet have a mental model of the skill. It's also less effective for complex skills or when the learner is anxious. It works best for simple skills or when giving specific feedback to more advanced performers.

How does guidance relate to the stages of learning?

In the cognitive stage, visual and manual guidance help build understanding and confidence. In the associative stage, verbal guidance refines technique. In the autonomous stage, minimal guidance is needed, but occasional visual or verbal cues can correct errors.

Can you give an example of mechanical guidance in sport?

A common example is using a float in swimming to help a beginner focus on leg kick without worrying about sinking. Another is a harness in trampolining to allow safe practice of somersaults. Mechanical guidance reduces fear and allows repetition.

Types of guidance

OCR

GCSE

Mental preparation techniques used to optimize performance in physical activities and sports, including imagery, mental rehearsal, selective attention, and positive thinking.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

Topic Overview

In Physical Education, 'types of guidance' refers to the methods used by coaches and teachers to help learners acquire and improve skills. The four main types are visual, verbal, manual, and mechanical guidance. Each type is suited to different stages of learning, skill complexity, and individual learner needs. Understanding when and how to apply each type is essential for effective coaching and for maximising performance in sport.

Visual guidance involves showing a demonstration or using video footage to give learners a clear mental image of the skill. Verbal guidance uses spoken instructions to explain techniques, tactics, or rules. Manual guidance involves physically moving the learner's body through the correct movement, while mechanical guidance uses equipment or aids (e.g., a harness in gymnastics) to support safe practice. The choice of guidance depends on factors such as the learner's experience, the stage of learning (cognitive, associative, autonomous), and the nature of the skill.

This topic is part of the OCR GCSE PE specification under 'Sports Psychology'. It links closely with theories of learning (e.g., Fitts and Posner's stages) and other psychological factors like motivation and feedback. Mastery of guidance types allows students to evaluate coaching methods and suggest improvements, which is a key skill for exam questions and practical application.

Key Concepts

Core ideas you must understand for this topic

→Visual guidance: best for early learning (cognitive stage) to create a mental model; can be live demonstration or video.
→Verbal guidance: useful for giving precise feedback or instructions; works well for simple skills or when learners are more advanced.
→Manual guidance: involves physical support (e.g., guiding a gymnast through a handstand); builds confidence and safety but can create dependence.
→Mechanical guidance: uses equipment (e.g., stabilisers on a bike, float in swimming); reduces fear and aids practice but may not replicate real conditions.
→The stage of learning determines the most effective guidance: cognitive stage benefits from visual/manual; associative stage from verbal; autonomous stage from minimal guidance.

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Definition and application of imagery
Definition and application of mental rehearsal
Definition and application of selective attention
Definition and application of positive thinking
Ability to apply practical examples of these techniques to specific sports or physical activities

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Definition and application of imagery
Definition and application of mental rehearsal
Definition and application of selective attention
Definition and application of positive thinking
Ability to apply practical examples of these techniques to specific sports or physical activities

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡Ensure you can provide specific, real-world examples for each mental preparation technique.
💡Be prepared to explain how these techniques help a performer optimize their performance.
💡Link mental preparation techniques to the broader context of sports psychology theories.
💡When answering exam questions, always link the type of guidance to the stage of learning or the specific skill. For example, explain why a beginner in trampolining might need manual guidance for safety.
💡Use real-world sporting examples to illustrate your points. For instance, a coach showing a video of a perfect golf swing (visual) then giving verbal cues like 'keep your head down'.
💡Be prepared to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each guidance type. A common 6-mark question asks you to compare two types and justify which is more suitable for a given scenario.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Misconception: Verbal guidance is always the best because it's quick. Correction: Verbal guidance can be ineffective for beginners who lack a mental image; visual guidance is often better first.
Misconception: Manual and mechanical guidance are the same. Correction: Manual involves direct physical contact (coach moves the learner), while mechanical uses equipment (e.g., a harness). Both reduce fear but differ in application.
Misconception: Once a skill is learned, guidance is no longer needed. Correction: Even autonomous performers benefit from occasional visual or verbal guidance to refine technique or correct errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Before You Start

Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

•Stages of learning (cognitive, associative, autonomous) – as guidance types are often matched to these stages.
•Types of feedback (intrinsic, extrinsic, positive, negative) – guidance and feedback work together in skill development.
•Classification of skills (open/closed, gross/fine, self-paced/externally paced) – different skills may require different guidance approaches.

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Know

Apply

Understand

Explain

Ready to test yourself?

Practice questions tailored to this topic

Types of guidance

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in OCR GCSE Physical Education

Aerobic and anaerobic exercise

Applied anatomy and physiology

Applying the principles of training

Characteristics of skilful movement

How to Revise Types of guidance — OCR GCSE Physical Education

Examiner Tips for Types of guidance

Key Marking Points

Types of guidance

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 4 types of guidance in PE?

When should a coach use visual guidance?

What is the difference between manual and mechanical guidance?

Why is verbal guidance not always effective?

How does guidance relate to the stages of learning?

Can you give an example of mechanical guidance in sport?

Before You Start

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in OCR GCSE Physical Education

Aerobic and anaerobic exercise

Applied anatomy and physiology

Applying the principles of training

Characteristics of skilful movement