Be positive
It seems like an obvious place to start, but the emotive and frustrating world of sport can often lead to coaches venting negative feedback at their players.
As a coach, what’s your ratio of giving positive feedback when compared to negative? Some coaches may have a philosophy of treating their players in an aggressive and negative manner in order to keep them determined and on their toes.
Types of Feedback
Descriptive feedback is telling a player directly what you’ve just witnessed the player do (or perhaps not do). This method doesn’t include any specific requirements to be laid out, but comes attached with an added connotation that the player should instinctively pick up on.
Be football 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.