The last words the learner hears before attempting a skill are the words that describe what they are to focus on.

The tag point is always delivered in the same way, starting with the phrase: “The tag point is.” This provides consistency and helps the learner focus on the specific goal.

Coaches will often give last minute advice just before an athlete takes their turn and many times this is a reminder of what not to do. “Remember Jimmy, don’t choke up on the bat”. What are the last words Jimmy heard before going up to bat?… “choke up on the bat”. The “don’t” that preceded these words could easily be lost in the stress of the moment and Jimmy goes and does the exact thing the coach has just told him not to do! It makes much more sense to leave the learner with a picture in their mind of the most important thing they ARE supposed to do as they go to take their turn!