How to Give Good Feedback to Young Athletes

November 7, 2023
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Delivering effective feedback to young athletes is a crucial aspect of their development and performance. It’s not just about pointing out what they’re doing wrong, but also about acknowledging their efforts and achievements. The first step in this process is to listen. Allow the athlete to express their feelings and perceptions about their performance. This approach fosters a sense of respect and understanding between the coach and the athlete, making the latter more receptive to feedback.

Effective Feedback Maintains a Positive Tone

The second step is to maintain a positive tone throughout the conversation. Start and finish with positive remarks, emphasizing the athlete’s strengths and achievements. This strategy, often referred to as ‘sandwiching’, helps soften the impact of any constructive criticism that may be necessary. However, it’s essential to ensure that the praise is genuine and relevant. Avoid telling the athlete what you think they want to hear; instead, find something real and positive to share.

Athletes Should Have A Conversation

The third step involves having a conversation rather than delivering a lecture. This approach encourages dialogue and allows the athlete to participate actively in the feedback process. Ask them specific questions about what they think they’re struggling with and how they believe they can improve. This method not only makes the feedback session more interactive but also empowers the athlete to take ownership of their improvement plan.

Conscious of Body Language & Tone

The fourth step is to be conscious of your body language and tone of voice. Non-verbal cues can significantly impact how your feedback is received. If the athlete seems tense or defensive, it might be best to give them some time before discussing their performance. Remember, the goal is to help them improve, not to make them feel attacked or criticized.

Practice Your Feedback Delivery

The fifth step is to practice giving feedback before delivering it. This practice can help you refine your message and ensure it’s clear, concise, and constructive. Be specific with your feedback, focusing on the present and future rather than dwelling on past mistakes. Emphasize effort over results and use positive reinforcement to motivate the athlete.

Feedback to Athletes Should be Consistent

The final step is to make feedback a regular and consistent part of your interactions with the athlete. This consistency helps normalize feedback, making it something the athlete expects and appreciates rather than dreads. Remember, feedback is a tool for improvement, not a means of punishment. By following these steps, you can provide effective feedback that empowers your young athletes, boosts their confidence, and aids their development.

Citations :

  1. https://www.pixellot.tv/blog/youth-coaching-seven-tips-for-sharing-positive-feedback/
  2. https://rogace.com/how-to-give-feedback-that-empowers-your-young-athlete/
  3. https://rewirefitness.app/training-tips/what-is-the-most-effective-way-to-provide-feedback-to-an-athlete/
  4. https://rogace.com/how-to-give-feedback-that-empowers-your-young-athlete/#:~:text=Ask%20them%20specifically%20what%20it,practice%20to%20help%20them%20improve.&text=Both%20yours%20and%20theirs.,unpack%20whatever%20is%20bothering%20them.
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7371850/
  6. https://metrifit.com/blog/coach-feedback-how-important-is-it/#:~:text=Feedback%20allows%20coaches%20to%20tell,Schwandt%20%26%20Bartz%2C%201990).
  7. https://truesport.org/respect-accountability/give-appreciative-feedback/#:~:text=Start%20and%20finish%20with%20the%20positive&text=That’s%20why%20it’s%20as%20important,real%20and%20positive%20to%20share.
  8. https://www.youthsportspsychology.com/youth_sports_psychology_blog/constructive-criticism-tips-for-young-athletes/
  9. https://youthdevelopmentthrurecreation.wordpress.com/2020/10/19/benefits-of-positive-feedback-on-the-development-of-youth-in-sport-and-recreation/#:~:text=As%20mentioned%20previously%2C%20positive%20feedback,perfect%20the%20skills%20they%20have.
  10. https://truesport.org/respect-accountability/give-appreciative-feedback/
  11. https://www.stmarksacademy.com/_site/data/files/knowledge%20organisers/1E1C885C76CD1473484300BD9C5BE525.pdf
  12. https://blog.innerdrive.co.uk/sports/3-things-better-athlete-feedback#:~:text=Feedback%20is%20essential%20to%20your,for%20better%20or%20for%20worse.
  13. https://ccaeducate.me/blog/teaching-constructive-criticism/#:~:text=There%20are%20benefits%20to%20learning,a%20better%20student%20and%20citizen.
  14. https://www.momsteam.com/team-of-experts/shane-murphy-phd/child-development/successful-development-of-the-young-athlete-guide
  15. https://youthdevelopmentthrurecreation.wordpress.com/2020/10/19/benefits-of-positive-feedback-on-the-development-of-youth-in-sport-and-recreation/#:~:text=Positive%20feedback%20can%20help%20youth,sense%20of%20belonging%20and%20value.
  16. https://globalsportmatters.com/youth/2019/02/18/right-feedback-could-keep-young-athletes-in-game/
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Sneha Samfrancisco

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