We are taught (conditioned) to respond to the spoken word with certain social behaviors. Learners often feel social pressure to respond to verbal praise or correction:

• It’s proper manners to look the speaker in the eye.

• It’s proper manners to say “thank-you” when praised.

• However, in many physical activities, it is not safe to change focus in such a manner.

Theresa McKeon once had a gymnast who was learning a very demanding skill involving several twists and several flips. As she performed the beginning part of the skill, Theresa yelled “good” to inform her of a correct position. Even though she was still flipping, she yelled, “Thank you!” Very well mannered those gymnasts…

The tag does not invite social response and leaves the learners free to focus on their activity.

The video below shows an example of an activity in which it is not desirable for the learners to lose focus by responding to comments from the coach. These athletes were taught using TAGteach.