# BrianBrief #10 (Back Off Or Power Through?)

- Link: https://brianejohns.com/2026/10/28/brianbrief-10-back-off-or-power-through/
- Published: 2026-10-28T18:50:00-04:00
- Author: Brian Johns

## Students often struggle during a private lesson. Whether to back off and take a 30-second mental break or encourage them to power through is a judgment call.

For example, I taught a client Flow Drill 9 (changing hands) yesterday. He caught
on to it quickly. “_Let’s do 20 reps of this drill,_” I told him.

Off we go. Around the 9th rep, he started to falter, and his form deteriorated. 
More importantly, his brain was overloaded.

In this situation, I would often say, “_Okay, let’s take a 30-second break and regroup_.”

It’s amazing how a 15- to 30-second break helps. It works 99% of the time, particularly
for those learning new material!

When we resume, I often insist we slow down to ensure the student has retained the
new material.

## However, it works differently for semi-advanced and advanced students.

Often, they already know the technique or drill. They just lose focus or let their
minds wander. They often catch themselves, and I’ll say, “_Just keep going and correct
yourself._” More often than not, they’re able to get back on track. Sometimes, it’s
a sign for me to change gears and move on to other material.

## What do you think? Let’s hear your feedback!

## Oh yes, one more thing: I’ve added the option for readers to “like” comments made on my posts.

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