Training Accuracy, Balance & Coordination
When a Side Feels “Off”… What Do You Do?
In the last post, you tried a quick hand coordination test.And you may have noticed:one side felt smootherthe other felt less clear or less reliableSo the natural question becomes:👉 How do I improve that side?Most dancers—and teachers—default to this:repeat the movementslow it downtry harderSometimes that helps.But often… it doesn’t change much.
Here’s Why
The cerebellum doesn’t just learn from repetition.👉 It learns from variation and complexity.It’s constantly comparing:what you intended to dowhat actually happenedAnd using that difference to refine movement.If the input is too simple…👉 there’s not enough information to improve coordination.
Linear vs. Non-Linear Movement (Simple Version)
Let’s keep this very practical.Most training tends to be linear:forward and backup and downone clear pathwayBut the cerebellum thrives on movement that is:👉 non-linear and variableMeaning:circularchanging directionslightly unpredictableThis creates richer sensory input.And richer input gives the brain more to work with.
A Simple Example: Wrist Circles
Try this on the side that felt less clear:
Wrist Circles: Here a link to view exercise
Relax the handDraw slow circles with your wrist (NOT hand circles - wrist)Explore:different sizes (Perhaps start with smaller circle, then increase size)different speeds (remember, often super slow is powerful!)both directions (if you were doing this with students call out at random times to switch sides)
What You’re Looking For
👉 Quality.Does the movement feel smooth or segmented?Are there “sticky” spots?Does it feel different in one direction vs the other?This is your brain mapping and refining the joint in real time.
Why This Works
Wrist circles are:multi-directionalconstantly changingslightly unpredictable👉 That’s exactly what the cerebellum needs.You’re giving the brain:more sensory inputmore variationmore opportunity to improve coordination
Test → Explore → Re-Test
After 20–30 seconds of wrist circles:Go back to the hand test.👉 Did it feel:smoother?faster?more controlled?Even a small shift matters.
This Isn’t Just About the Wrist
This is the bigger idea:👉 If a movement feels unclear…Instead of only repeating it,try giving the brain:more variationmore directionsmore sensory informationBecause coordination improves when the brain has better input—not just more effort.
To your success,
Deborah