Summary of Feedback in Sports Performance

## Introduction Performance feedback in sport helps athletes understand what they did well, what they can improve, and how to change their actions next time. Good feedback speeds skill development, improves decision-making during games, and builds confidence. > **Definition:** Feedback is information given to a performer about their action or performance with the goal of improving future performance. ## Types of Feedback Break feedback into where it comes from and when it is given. ### Intrinsic Feedback > **Definition:** Intrinsic feedback comes from the performer’s own senses: how they felt, what they saw, heard, or perceived during the action. - Examples: a gymnast feeling an unsteady landing, a basketball player sensing their shot release was off. - Best for: experienced performers who can interpret bodily cues and self-correct. - Limitations: beginners often have limited experience and may be overly self-critical or misinterpret sensations. ### Extrinsic Feedback > **Definition:** Extrinsic feedback is external information given by coaches, teammates, managers, or technology (video, sensors). - Examples: a coach telling a winger to stay wider, a manager shouting tactical adjustments, video analysis showing positioning errors. - Best for: beginners who lack experience and need specific guidance; also useful for spotting small technical faults. - Limitations: too much external feedback can create dependence if not combined with opportunities for self-assessment. ## When Feedback Is Given ### Concurrent Feedback > **Definition:** Concurrent feedback is given during the activity or performance. - Examples: a coach calling instructions during a match; an athlete feeling a change mid-jump and adjusting their run-up. - Advantages: immediate corrective cues allow on-the-spot changes. - Disadvantages: can distract performers if too frequent or overly detailed. ### Terminal Feedback > **Definition:** Terminal feedback is given after the activity has finished. - Examples: post-match analysis in the changing room after a close game; coach review after training. - Advantages: can be more detailed and reflective because there is time to analyse events. - Disadvantages: delayed changes can’t fix mistakes from that particular performance. ## Qualities of Effective Feedback > **Definition:** Effective feedback is clear, relevant information aimed at improving performance. Good feedback should be: - Specific and relevant to the performer’s goal - Detailed but concise — not too long - Age- and skill-appropriate (use suitable language and technical terms) - Given as soon as possible while events are fresh - Accurate and constructive, focusing on what to change and how Fun fact: Athletes who receive balanced feedback (praise + correction) tend to keep motivation and improve skill retention faster than those who receive only criticism. ## Comparing Feedback Types | Feature | Intrinsic | Extrinsic | Concurrent | Terminal | |---|---:|---:|---:|---:| | Source | Performer | Coach/Video/Other | During performance | After performance | | Best for | Experienced athletes | Beginners; technical correction | Immediate correction | Detailed analysis | | Risk | Misinterpretation, over-criticism | Dependence on coach | Distraction if frequent | Missed chance to correct live | ## How to Give Good Extrinsic Feedback (Practical Steps) 1. Observe the performance carefully. 2. Focus on one or two key points to avoid overload. 3. Use clear, age-appropriate language and relate feedback to the performer’s goals. 4. Give corrective information and an actionable suggestion (what to change and how). 5. Allow the performer to try the change, then provide follow-up feedback. ### Example Scenarios - Beginner footballer: Coach gives extrinsic terminal feedback after training: "Your passing weight was short; aim one step ahead of your teammate and follow through with your ankle locked." Then at next drill the coach observes and gives brief concurrent corre