External Cues

Use internal cues when you have to transmit complex information, but use external cues when live coaching.

Cues are short, clear instructions or signals that coaches give to their athletes. They're often verbal, but not always.

A good cue has four elements:

#1: It should be short, so it can be issued quickly — especially for competition.

#2: It should be clear, so it can be understood more quickly and to prevent misunderstanding.

#3: It should be memorable, so the lesson sticks with the athlete (analogies make great cues).

#4: It should be external, because — wait, what does “external” mean in the context of cues?

Great question! Glad you asked. Let's explain what an “external cue” is in Jiu-Jitsu.

Internal and external cues

One of my favorite voices on the topic of cues is Dr. Nick Winkelman. He's the author of The Language of Coaching and has visited BJJ Mental Models before (check out episode 162).

Nick explains that cues can be either internal or external.

Internal cues instruct the athlete by telling them how to move their body without emphasizing the environment. “Elbows tight” is an example of an internal cue.

External cues instruct the athlete by telling them how to move their body relative to the environment. “Chest to chest” would be an example of an external cue.

Internal cues have their uses for initial explanations or safety concerns, but in most situations, good coaches should prefer external cues.

External cues in Jiu-Jitsu

External cues have several important advantages over internal cues.

First, external cues tend to be more intuitive. It can be hard to explain body positioning from an internal perspective, but an external cue like “drive off the floor” is immediately understandable.

Second, external cues tend to be more memorable. BJJ Mental Models alum Gant Grimes once told me armbars are all about “managing taint to shoulder space,” and I'll never forget it. 🤣

Third, and most importantly, external cues tend to be more adaptable. Because they're relative to the environment, it's easier for athletes to apply these cues to diverse situations.

So today's takeaway is: Use internal cues when you have to transmit complex information, but use external cues when live coaching.

(BTW, Aldo Vergel de Dios' “dirty feet” verbal cue is one of my recent favorites. What's yours?)

On the podcast:

• Ep. 162: The Language of Coaching, feat. Nick Winkelman
• Ep. 311: Complexity and Intensity, feat. Chris Paines

Further study:

• Ecological Dynamics