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Teaching Skills There are two basic types of skills: simple and complex. Learning simple skills typically requires little practice. However, they are only considered simple if the athlete can learn them quickly. What is simple for one athlete may not be as simple for another.   Simple Skills Simple skills are most easily mastered from seeing them performed. It is generally considered that 80 percent of learning takes place through what is seen. The basic methods in teaching simple skills are imitation and demonstration. Basically, athletes copy what you show them. ("Watch this … Try it") If the imitation is accurate, immediate and positive feedback is a good way to confirm this to the athlete. ("Yes, you got it. Good job. Now, let's practice it a couple more times to make sure we remember it.")   Complex Skills Complex skills require a little more effort on the part of the coach. First learn to break down complex skills into smaller tasks to assist athletes in learning the skill. Some coaches and educators call this shaping. How do I break down complex skills into smaller tasks? Your sport specific coaching guide will go into greater detail and illustrate actual teaching progressions.

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