±«Óătv

Coaching through verbal guidance and feedback

Verbal guidance is given by an observer after watching your performance. For example:

  • coaching points – given by the coach and relating to the technique of the performance
  • feedback – from the coach
  • peer feedback – from other performers
  • questioning – by the coach so the performer is prompted to

Feedback needs to be to help the performer to improve their skill. It also needs to be specific and accurate so the performer knows exactly what and how to improve. This requires coaches and athletes to understand and use the same language and terminology.

Verbal guidance may be given before, during or after practice and performance.

Netball example

Unhelpful feedbackConstructive feedback
'You need to pass the ball better next time.''When you do a chest pass, you need to open your fingers wider to have more power and control.'
Unhelpful feedback'You need to pass the ball better next time.'
Constructive feedback'When you do a chest pass, you need to open your fingers wider to have more power and control.'
Feedback given to netballers during a match interval
Image caption,
Feedback given to netballers during a match interval