Cueing is an essential part of coaching, especially in complex motor skills like shooting a basketball. The way we communicate these cues can have a significant impact on how effectively a player can learn and perform. Two primary types of cues are internal and external cues, each with its own strengths and challenges. However, research and practical experience show that external cues are generally more valuable, especially in complex movements like shooting a basketball.

Internal Cues

Internal cues are instructions that focus the player’s attention on the movement of their body parts. These cues direct the athlete to think about what their body is doing during the execution of a skill.

• Example of Internal Cues:
  • "Keep your elbow tucked in."
  • "Focus on snapping your wrist as you release the ball."
  • "Make sure your knees are bent."

Internal cues can be helpful in the early stages of learning a skill because they allow the player to understand the mechanics of the movement. However, when performing more complex movements—especially in dynamic environments like a basketball game—internal cues can lead to overthinking, which can disrupt the fluidity and automaticity of the movement.

External Cues

External cues direct the player’s attention away from their body and towards the outcome or environment. These cues are tied to an external target or effect that the player wants to achieve.

• Example of External Cues:
  • "Aim to get the ball over the front of the rim."
  • "Focus on putting the ball into the basket through a narrow window."
  • "Imagine you’re pushing the ball towards a target above the rim."

External cues are often more effective in complex movements because they allow the player to focus on the goal rather than the process. This can lead to more fluid and natural execution of the movement because the athlete’s body can self-organize around the task without being bogged down by detailed, conscious control of each body part. In essence, external cues help to simplify the motor task and make it more about the outcome, which is particularly valuable under pressure.

Why External Cues are More Valuable in Complex Movements

Research in motor learning consistently shows that external cues are more effective for performance and retention, especially in complex tasks. This is because:

1. Outcome Focused: External cues align the player’s focus with the desired outcome, which helps the brain and body work together more naturally to achieve the goal.
2. Reduced Overthinking: By focusing on the external environment rather than body mechanics, players are less likely to overthink their movements, leading to more fluid and automatic execution.
3. Better Adaptability: External cues are often more adaptable to various situations, allowing players to perform well in different contexts (e.g., different game situations or varying defensive pressure).
4. Improved Performance Under Pressure: In high-pressure situations, internal focus can lead to anxiety and disrupted performance. External focus, on the other hand, helps players stay centered on the task at hand.

My Process for Creating External Cues

When working with players, I use a structured process to develop effective external cues that resonate with them:

1. Start with the Internal Explanation:

• • I begin by explaining the internal mechanics of what we’re working on. For example, I might explain how the elbow needs to stay aligned under the ball to create a straight shot. This helps the player understand the fundamental mechanics behind what we are trying to achieve.

1. Provide an Initial External Cue:

• • I then offer an external cue that makes sense from my perspective. For example, I might say, “Think about pushing the ball through a small window right above the rim.” This external focus shifts the player’s attention from the mechanics to the desired outcome.

1. Ask Guiding Questions:

• • Finally, I engage the player in a dialogue to find an external cue that resonates with them. I might ask, “What do you think about when you take that shot?” or “Does it help you to think about aiming for a specific spot on the rim?” This process ensures that the cue is personally meaningful to the player, making it more likely to stick and be effective.

By using this process, I help players internalize the desired movements through external focus, leading to better performance in real-game scenarios.