Crossfit Coaching & Instruction Methods 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When using the 'teaching by exception' method, a CrossFit coach should focus on:
- Correcting the most dangerous or most common fault first (Correct answer)
- Correcting every fault simultaneously during a single rep
- Praising the athlete before offering any correction
- Allowing the athlete to self-correct without guidance
Correct answer: Correcting the most dangerous or most common fault first
Teaching by exception means identifying and correcting the fault that poses the greatest safety risk or has the largest impact on performance first.
Question 2: A coach notices an athlete is staring at the ground during a back squat. The most appropriate cue to address this is:
- 'Eyes forward' or 'Pick a spot on the wall in front of you' (Correct answer)
- 'Chest up' to indirectly fix eye position
- 'Drive your hips back more'
- 'Keep your feet flat on the floor'
Correct answer: 'Eyes forward' or 'Pick a spot on the wall in front of you'
A direct eye-position cue like 'eyes forward' is most effective because it immediately addresses the specific fault the athlete is displaying.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of a 'whiteboard brief' before a CrossFit class?
- To explain the workout, movement standards, and scaling options to athletes (Correct answer)
- To record athlete scores and times from the previous session
- To motivate athletes using high-intensity music and energy
- To assign athletes to specific equipment stations
Correct answer: To explain the workout, movement standards, and scaling options to athletes
The whiteboard brief sets expectations, clarifies movement standards, and ensures athletes understand scaling options before the workout begins.
Question 4: Which approach best describes 'external cueing' in CrossFit coaching?
- Directing an athlete's focus to the effect of their movement on an object or outcome (Correct answer)
- Telling an athlete to feel their glutes activate during a hip hinge
- Explaining the anatomical muscles involved in a deadlift
- Having athletes watch a video of the movement before attempting it
Correct answer: Directing an athlete's focus to the effect of their movement on an object or outcome
External cues shift the athlete's attention to an external target or outcome, such as 'push the floor away' instead of 'extend your knees.'
Question 5: During a group class, a coach should ideally position themselves so they can:
- See all athletes and have a clear view of movement from multiple angles (Correct answer)
- Stand at the front of the room to be seen by everyone
- Remain stationary at one coaching station throughout the workout
- Stand directly behind the athlete they are coaching at all times
Correct answer: See all athletes and have a clear view of movement from multiple angles
Moving through the room and maintaining sightlines to all athletes allows the coach to monitor safety and provide timely corrections.
Question 6: A new athlete cannot perform an overhead squat with a PVC pipe without their heels rising. The best immediate scaling option is:
- Place plates or a wedge under the athlete's heels to allow proper depth (Correct answer)
- Have the athlete squat to a higher target to reduce range of motion
- Skip the overhead squat and substitute a back squat instead
- Tell the athlete to practice at home before returning to class
Correct answer: Place plates or a wedge under the athlete's heels to allow proper depth
Elevating the heels compensates for limited ankle dorsiflexion, allowing the athlete to achieve proper squat depth while still performing the movement pattern.
Question 7: What does 'virtuosity' mean in the context of CrossFit coaching and instruction?
- Performing the common uncommonly well — achieving mastery of fundamental movements (Correct answer)
- Executing advanced skills like muscle-ups and handstand walks
- Completing workouts at the highest prescribed weight
- Winning CrossFit competitions at the regional or national level
Correct answer: Performing the common uncommonly well — achieving mastery of fundamental movements
CrossFit defines virtuosity as doing the common uncommonly well, emphasizing mastery of foundational movements over advanced skills.
Crossfit Coaching & Instruction Methods 2
When using the 'teaching by exception' method, a CrossFit coach should focus on: