Neurological Pathways
by Nick-At-Will

July 29, 2013

Pathways to and from the Brain

In an interview with Bob Hanscom, athlete, coach, judge and referee of one sport or another (figure-skating, gymnastics, squash) for 50 years, we asked about his coaching methods, why he believes they're important and what determines their success.

While many different methods of coaching/learning are successful, whether through trial & error, experience, talent, work-ethic, and/or genetically influenced, Bob said, "I have found that "hands-on" neurological patterning (repeated manipulation of body parts to simulate motor development and activity) to be most effective and successful in nearly every case." He stated, "Neurotransmitters in the brain explains how this works biochemically - and how (good or bad) technical and/or movement patterns are learned, formed and executed."

"Hands-on" (patterning) in gymnastics

Basically, anything you do over and over again ("rote" learning) strengthens nerve pathways to and from the brain, making it increasingly easy to repeat that activity physically, (muscle memory/conditioned reflex) so when called upon to "perform," the response will be automatic - with no "conscious" thought-process required.  Whatever the activity, whether it be appendage technique or movement, it is strengthened through progressively patterning the brain...whether positively or negatively.

Bob said that in order to reach specific goals of development successfully, one must strengthen the pathways to the brain in a positive way. For example, as a child grows, their nerve pathways develop at an exponential rate. Activities that are repeated, ultimately result in an ability to walk, talk and eventually learn, either correctly or incorrectly. If the brain is taught (and learns) the "incorrect" way, it will send the "wrong" message to the body, resulting in poor execution and/or performance.

Each of these is a culmination of thousands of pathways being strengthened, becoming patterns that can be executed without conscious thought. Bob said, "All skill development requires repetition. Correct repetition strengthens the nerve pathways." There is an old saying, "Teaching children is like writing in stone - teaching adults is like writing in sand...with the tide coming in!

The Trampoline Overhead Harness

Bob said, "When learning a new skill for the first time, it is very important that the student "feel" the movement. Having a skill explained, demonstrated, studying photos, watching videos or live performance works...to a point!

However, nothing can take the place of actually "feeling" whatever it is one may be trying to learn, i.e. gymnasts, a trampolinist,  figure skaters, divers, etc. being put into an overhead safety harness, making it possible for them to "feel" the skill they're attempting in a safe and positive way. After a certain number of (positive) repetitions, they're eventually able to "perform" the skill(s) successfully without assistance. Why should this teaching method (particularly with children) NOT work when coaching the game of squash!?

"If the student has never "felt" the proper way to move, grip, prepare and or swing the racquet, should we expect him/her to learn and "perform" the technique in a satisfactory way? I think not! He says, "To reach your and the student's goals successfully, use a "hands-on" approach, pprogressively and meticulously "patterning" (positioning correctly in a progressive way) the student's movement and/or appendages, so the "right" message will be sent to the brain, resulting in the "right" message being sent back to the body."

"Hands On" - Kristina Ridaoui photo

Bob said, "This neurological patterning occurs in every aspect of life...every moment! So remember, whatever and whenever you chose to think, move and/or execute, it's making an impression on your brain to "feed" back, whether it be the correct message or not! These neurological pathways are "two-way" streets, not just one way!

So...whenever you, as a coach or player are (hopefully perfectly) "practicing" that swing, movement, volley, drop or boast, be SURE that you're sending the "right" message to your brain, so it will feed the "right" message back...when it counts!