What type of cue is suggested when instructing a client to "smash the bottom of your shoes into the floor" at the top of a squat?

The suggested cue of instructing a client to "smash the bottom of your shoes into the floor" at the top of a squat is classified as an external cue. External cues are phrases that focus the athlete's attention on the outcome of their movements rather than the mechanics of their body. By using this type of cue, the client is driven to think about the force being applied through the soles of their shoes into the ground, promoting a natural and effective movement pattern that leads to better performance.

This approach can enhance the client's overall movement efficiency and improve their ability to generate power, as it encourages them to connect their actions to a specific and tangible goal. In contrast, internal cues would focus on body movements or positions, which can sometimes lead to excessive self-consciousness and degrade performance. Verbal cues involve spoken instructions, while visual cues would rely on demonstrations or imagery, but do not convey the same degree of focus on the outcome as external cues do.