[hlnx1]

Feedback is one of the main tools a coach has, but more is not always better. Motor learning research suggests that how often and how you give it matters.

General principles:

• Constant feedback can improve performance in the session but may make athletes dependent on it, so learning holds up less well later
• Reducing feedback over time, or giving it only when errors exceed a certain size, tends to support longer-term learning
• Asking questions (“How did that feel? What would you change?”) helps athletes develop their own awareness
• Specific, positive and short feedback usually works better with children than long technical explanations

Coaching background: coaching expertise science.

Do you find young athletes learn better from your instructions or from questions?

[hlnx1]

A simple pattern for drills: show, let them try several times without comment, then give one key point, and let them try again. Repeat with fewer comments as they improve.

One clear focus at a time is usually more useful than correcting everything you see.

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