When demonstrating a technique, many people take the parts-to-whole approach, assuming that the basic parts of a technique should be mastered first.

The problem with this view is that it’s like giving someone the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle without showing them the whole picture first.

To solve this problem, coaches have created the acronym: IDEA.

IDEA stands for Introduction, Demonstration, Explanation and Action, and is used by coaches to demonstrate movement techniques in a clear and organized fashion.

What makes IDEA a powerful way of demonstrating techniques is that it is a whole-to-parts approach, allowing participants to ‘see the big picture’ and then organise the parts as they are presented next. This prevents confusion and helps participants learn quickly, easily and efficiently.

For example, when demonstrating a punch:

Introduction

This is where the coach simply states the name of the technique:

• “Now, we are going to learn the jab…”

• “The first technique we will practice is the hook…”

• “And our final technique will be the uppercut…”

Names are important because they make the technique into a recognisable ‘thing’ that can be communicated to others and practiced in combination with other techniques.

Demonstration

The coach then offers a silent demonstration for participants to observe:

• “This is what it looks like…”

• “A quick demonstration…”

• Just to demonstrate…”

• “Let me show you what it looks like…”

Demonstrations are important because they convey the technique as a whole through a non-verbal channel of communication.

Explanation

The coach then breaks the technique down into its component parts:

• “Extend the lead hand, rotate the knuckles up, and clench…”

• “Exhale and punch through the target…”

• “However fast you punch, that’s how fast you should come back to guard.”

Explanations compliment demonstrations by conveying the parts of a technique through a verbal channel.

Action

The coach then tells the participants to practice the technique:

• “Now you try…”

• “Partner up and let’s go…”

• “Person A goes first, and in the next round Person B will practice…”

Action is important because it is not enough to ‘know’ a technique mentally but to also embody it in practice.