Jun 28, 2022
Matt & Niki explore tactile cues: different types, how & when to
use them for in-person and online coaching.
Oh, and how do you pronounce tactile? Is it like "tactical?"
Tactile Cues vs Verbal & Visual Cues
Tactile cues, as you may have guessed, involve you as the coach
or an object touching the lifter.
Visual cues
show the lifter how to properly lift. Visual cues explain
(hopefully clearly) how the client should move. Tactile cues use
the sensation of touch to deliver information to the lifter.
You as the
coach may physically move the lifter into the correct position.
This avoids the lifter having to understand your verbal or visual
directions, and allows the lifter to feel proper form. An example
is bringing the lifters elbows up & forward in the
press set up.
Similarly, you may pace your hand or finger on a body part you
want the client to focus in on. For example, you may touch the
lifters low back to get the lifter to extend her lumbar
spine.
Lastly, you may have an object impose a physical indicator
that limits the range of motion. Examples of this include using a
foam roller or 4x4 (often called terribly useful block of wood
(TUBOW) to prevent knee slide in the squat or setting up a band so
the lifter knows proper depth in the squat.
Some carryover exists between verbal and tactile cues. You may
give your lifter a verbal cue for her to feel a physical sensation.
"Pressure on midfoot" is a great example where you're trying to
create tactile feedback for the lifter through a verbal cue.
Tactile Cue Challenges
You need to build
trust with your lifter, so ask if it's okay to touch the lifter
to correct their technique, and touch them professionally. There
are some situations where you may simply want to avoid touching
lifters. Matt, for example, used to coach junior high females.
What physical cues can you use in online coaching?
Adjusting the lifter into correct technique is impossible. You
may recommend the lifter gets an in-person session with a coach if
you trust.
There are ways, however, to bring attention to a body part or
impose a physical limitation.
The lifter or person close to the lifter may touch the lifter to
bring attention to a body part. You don't have to be a coach to
touch someone's low back or mid-sternum.
Setting up a band or TUBOW, as well, can be done with online
coaching.
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