The essentials of giving constructive feedback

Giving your players constructive feedback on their performance in matches or coaching sessions requires tact and diplomacy. You need to bring out the positives in all outcomes during these sessions. And remember, it's no good praising your attacker for scoring every time if you knock your goalkeeper's confidence. It's something you have to think about.

Here's my take on all feedback from coaching sessions:

Positives first

The emphasis should always be as positive as possible. Focus on what the player can do and not what they can't do.

Comments such as "good attempt at a pass, but you need to be a bit more accurate" will have a much better effect than "that was a bad pass".

Good body language

Positive body language is as important as giving positive verbal feedback. Clapping, smiling and nodding at a player can all have uplifting effects. Turning away or kicking the water bottles will send a totally negative message to your players.

Be soccer specific

Positive feedback should be specific for both individuals and groups. Comments such as "good positions at corners" or "excellent pass" will have a much greater effect than simply shouting "that's great" or "well done".

Sincerity

Be sincere when you give feedback, good and bad. Never use sarcasm and never put players down. Think about what you are going to say and describe situations to back up your opinions.

Give solutions not problems

Offer solutions to help improve your players. Anyone can criticise and point out weaknesses but your job is to help your players improve. For every piece of negative feedback you give you need to be able to provide the individual or group with a means to improve.

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