External pacing is characterized by which of the following?

External pacing is characterized by which of the following?

• A. External pacing is never used.
• B. External pacing is controlled by the athlete.
• C. External pacing is slower than intrinsic timing.
• D. External pacing is controlled by the coach or environment; it can ensure consistency and safety during practice.

Answer: (D)

External pacing means the tempo of an activity is set by someone else or by the environment, not by the performer. This control by the coach or the drill setup helps keep everyone moving at a consistent speed, makes drills safer, and ensures techniques are practiced with the same tempo for every learner. That’s why the description of being controlled by the coach or environment and promoting consistency and safety fits best. The other ideas don’t match because pacing isn’t about never being used—external pacing is common in structured practice. It isn’t controlled by the athlete—that would be internal pacing. And the statement about being slower or faster isn’t the defining feature; external pacing is about who sets the pace, not the exact speed.

External pacing means the tempo of an activity is set by someone else or by the environment, not by the performer. This control by the coach or the drill setup helps keep everyone moving at a consistent speed, makes drills safer, and ensures techniques are practiced with the same tempo for every learner. That’s why the description of being controlled by the coach or environment and promoting consistency and safety fits best.

The other ideas don’t match because pacing isn’t about never being used—external pacing is common in structured practice. It isn’t controlled by the athlete—that would be internal pacing. And the statement about being slower or faster isn’t the defining feature; external pacing is about who sets the pace, not the exact speed.