The use of teaching aids, i.e. props that help athletes improve skills, give a tremendous boost to the learning process. Why are teaching aids so effective?
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1. They "show" correct movements to enhance verbal instruction.
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2. They help focus on a specific position or a specific flaw in technique.
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3. They increase interest in learning and retention.
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4. They convey concepts clearly and understandably.
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5. Athletes can learn by association.
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6. They provide terrific feedback.
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7. They make it easier to maintain good habits.
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8. They make learning more enjoyable.
Golf pro Wally Armstrong has developed a series of teaching aids for golfers. He says there are several rules to follow when using teaching aids. One is to make sure athletes take their time. They must become aware of the feelings they are experiencing when they use aids. Another rule is not to use one teaching aid exclusively. Use a variety to make sure movements are being learned correctly. A third and most important rule is to mentally recall the motions taught by teaching aids when executing skills. Imagery and visualization are terrific methods to insure this will happen during competition.
Here are examples of teaching aids Wally uses for golfers: When teaching the back swing, he shows that a quarterback handing off the football uses the same motion. When teaching footwork, he places a soccer ball next to the golfer's back foot. When they attempt to swing, the ball should not move. If it does, golfers know they have made an incorrect motion. When teaching putting, he has golfers alternate hitting a golf ball and tennis ball. He also makes good use of a hula-hoop to help golfers get the correct body motion for learning the correct swing plane.
Other sports use similar methods. A new teaching aid for basketball is for players to practice with a ball larger than the regular size ball. In comparison the regular size ball is much easier to handle and put into the hoop. Quarterbacks in football can use a hanging rubber tire for target practice to obtain pinpoint passing accuracy. Baseball hitters could use a skinnier bat when taking batting practice.
Recommendation: Find teaching aids you and your players are comfortable with and use them to enhance skill acquisition. Use your imagination. There are so many ways to teach new skills and enhance present abilities. It will take the boredom out of tired old drills and make the learning experience more enjoyable.
