Coaching and Feedback in Sports

Study Notes

A coach provides feedback to a performer to help them detect errors, especially if they have limited kinaesthetic awareness.
Feedback involves using information available during or after a performance to alter the performance.

Intrinsic feedback is internal or arising from the sensory system and is continuous in nature.
It arises from signals from proprioceptors found in muscles, ligaments, and joints.
Kinaesthesia is the collective term for such sensory feedback.
Advantages: readily available, can correct movements immediately, and doesn't rely on others.

Internal/Intrinsic: continuous feedback from proprioceptors found in muscles, ligaments, and joints.
Extrinsic/Augmented Feedback: feedback that comes from an external source, such as a teacher or coach.
Positive Feedback: reinforces skill learning and provides information about a successful outcome.

Negative Feedback
- Provides accurate information about negative aspects of performance.
- Motivates performers who require further refinement of their skills.
- Disadvantages: can be demotivating, especially if the feedback is unhelpful or inaccurate.
Extrinsic Feedback
- Advantages: provides accurate information, motivates performers, and helps them identify areas for improvement.
- Disadvantages: can be complex and may be detrimental to learning if feedback is unhelpful or inaccurate.

Feedback is external and can come from the performer seeing the result of their response or from another person.
Extremely important for the performer to know what the result of their action has been.

Feedback about the pattern of movement that has taken or is taking place.
Normally associated with external feedback but can be gained through kinaesthetic awareness.

A coach of a trampolinist should use simple verbal feedback and playing videos of the performance in slow motion.

Both knowledge of results and knowledge of performance can help with motivation, but if used incorrectly, can be detrimental.
Feedback should be accurate, specific, and not contain too much information.

Feedback and setting goals are linked, and research shows that setting goals enhances the effects of feedback.

The type of feedback that is given or available to a novice is different from that available for an experienced performer.
Feedback should involve a limited amount of information, focusing on specific, easily understood points.

Three stages of learning: cognitive, associative, and autonomous.
In the cognitive stage, learners rely on external feedback.
In the associative stage, learners continue to gain more timing and speed with less external guidance.
In the autonomous stage, learners benefit from intrinsic feedback.
Feedback occurs in both explicit and implicit forms.