The Language of Coaching. The Art & Science of Teaching Movement

Part I. Learn

Chapter 1. Learn This
Learning: A Primer
Motor Learning: The Profile
Motor Learning: The Process
Motor Learning: The Distinction
Summary

Chapter 2. Pay Attention
Attention: A Primer
The Movie Theater of the Mind: Attention at Work
The Mind Part 1: Out of Focus
The Mind Part 2: Coming Into Focus
The Mind Part 3: In Focus
Summary

Chapter 3. Remember When
Memory: A Primer
What’s in a Memory?
Part 1: Working Memory
Part 2: Long-Term Memory
Part 3: Making Memories
Summary

Part II. Coach

Chapter 4. Finding Focus
Cueing: A Primer
Part 1: A Cue Is Born
Part 2: The Dark Side of the Cue
Part 3: You Gotta Be Choking Me
Summary

Chapter 5. Cue It Up
Constructing Cues: A Primer
Part 1: Cueing in 3D
Part 2: Cue-Tips
Part 3: Clarifying Internal Cues
Summary

Chapter 6. Going Analog
Analogies: A Primer
Part 1: Mental Maps
Part 2: Similarity
Part 3: Familiarity
Summary

Part III. Cue

Chapter 7. The Road Map
Habits: A Primer
The Habit Instinct
A Habit of Cueing
Habit Upgrade: A Three-Step Process
Fishing for Cues
Summary

Chapter 8. Strong Cueing
Upper-Body Push/Horizontal/Two-Arm Dumbbell Bench Press
Upper-Body Push/Vertical/Two-Arm Dumbbell Shoulder Press
Upper-Body Pull/Horizontal/One-Arm One-Leg Dumbbell Row
Upper-Body Pull/Vertical/Pull-Up
Lower-Body Push/Two-Leg Front Squat
Lower-Body Push/One-Leg Squat to Bench
Lower-Body Push/Rear Foot Elevated Split Squat
Lower-Body Pull/Two-Leg Romanian Deadlift
Lower-Body Pull/One-Leg Romanian Deadlift

Chapter 9. Powerful Cueing
Countermovement/Vertical Jump
Countermovement/Horizontal Jump
Countermovement/Vertical Hop
Countermovement/Lateral Bound
Noncountermovement/Squat to Throw
Noncountermovement/Vertical Toss
Noncountermovement/Chest Pass
Noncountermovement/Rotational Throw

Chapter 10. Fast Cueing
Linear Speed/Three-Point Start
Linear Speed/Acceleration
Linear Speed/Absolute Speed
Multidirectional Speed/45-Degree Cut
Multidirectional Speed/Side-Step Cut
Multidirectional Speed/180-Degree Cut
Multidirectional Speed/Crossover to Sprint
Multidirectional Speed/Crossover Run
Multidirectional Speed/Drop Step to Sprint
Multidirectional Speed/Backpedal

Try to recall the best coach you’ve ever had. Consider what differentiated them from other coaches; what made them so effective? Was it their knowledge and programming, or did it come down to the way they communicated with you and the way they made you feel? While the former are critical, it is a coach’s words that set them apart from the rest.

The Language of Coaching focuses on the impact that communication has on an individual’s ability to learn and  perform a movement. Written by performance coach Nick Winkelman, the book examines how instruction, feedback, and cueing can significantly affect training outcomes. Grounded in motor learning and the science of attentional focus, Winkelman takes you on a journey, guiding you through practical coaching frameworks that will help you adapt your language to the learning needs of those you support.

Packed with stunning visuals, the book provides over 25 movement sequences that outline different types of coaching cues, including a visual depiction of unique analogies, such as a sprinter taking off like a jet or an athlete loading into a jump like a spring. The book is filled with a comprehensive collection of cueing frameworks that guide you through the process of creating your own cues for any movement you want to teach. You will also learn how to engage in more productive conversation with your athletes through sample dialogue that uses the book’s cueing philosophy.

Whether you are new to coaching or a seasoned veteran, The Language of Coaching will help you grow as a communicator and learn how to coach the person with the same precision as you do the program.

Nick Winkelman, PhD, is the head of athletic performance and science for the Irish Rugby Football Union. His primary role is to oversee the delivery and development of strength and conditioning and sports science across all national and provincial teams. Prior to working for Irish Rugby, Winkelman was the director of education and training systems for EXOS, where he directed the development and execution of all educational initiatives. As a performance coach, he oversaw the speed component of the EXOS NFL Combine Development Program, and he has supported a variety of athletes across professional and elite level sport.

Winkelman completed his doctorate through Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions with a dissertation focus on motor skill learning and sprinting. He is a recognized speaker and consultant on human performance and coaching science. He has written numerous book chapters and peer-reviewed papers focusing on the intersection between coaching language and athlete learning.