Feedback: When to Talk, When to Stay Quiet

Definition

Augmented feedback is anything the coach adds beyond what the environment naturally provides. Research suggests reduced-frequency, bandwidth, and self-controlled feedback all out-perform constant correction.

Why it matters

Constant feedback creates dependency and blocks the player from learning to use the game's own information. Strategic silence allows perception-action coupling to develop.

Examples

• Wait until a player asks before giving technical feedback on a shot.
• Give feedback only when performance falls outside an acceptable bandwidth — not on every rep.
• After a rep, ask 'what did you see?' before telling them what you saw.

Practical application

• Default to a question, not a correction.
• Track your coach-talk-to-player-rep ratio for a week; aim to halve it.
• Use video review for technical feedback, live reps for tactical reads.

Common mistakes

• Correcting every rep, leaving no room for the player to self-organize.
• Praising effort while ignoring decision quality (or vice versa).