This document discusses positive and negative feedback in coaching. It notes that while positive feedback is important for building confidence, negative feedback also has its place when delivered constructively. Too much negative feedback can lower self-esteem and increase fear of failure in athletes. Different athletes and coaches have varying preferences in coaching styles, from very positive to more critical. Feedback should provide insights to help athletes improve, while minimizing anxiety. A balanced approach using both positive and negative feedback from multiple sources may be most effective.

1. Positive vs Negative
Feedback in Coaching
By Nathan Blackburn
S

2. Overview
S Positive vs negative feedback. It
is a very critical and heavily
analyzed part of coaching.
Although generally, negative
feedback from coach to athlete
is despised of by the general
sporting community, does it
have its place in athletes minds,
to make/help them perform
better with the pressure of
coach and environment?. Is
having both forms but more
negative in a coaches styles
also genius? Source A

3. The Positive Side
S As it is known widely within the coaching community positive
feedback is crucial for an athlete to understand that they are
doing the right thing and understand concepts, and that their
coaches are delighted with the execution of the skill. It not only
helps by means of someone believing in you, but is incredibly
strong in raising an athletes level of self esteem, self belief
and confidence.
S Positive feedback that is delivered correctly and honestly by
the coach is what the athlete needs so that they understand
that the coach knows exactly what they are talking about and
are critically analyzing the athletes movements.

4. Continued
S Positive coaches who provide copious amounts of
positivity usually reside an extremely close relationship
with the athlete which also can bring a close net
dimension to an athletes performance. Knowing that not
only is there a coach on the sideline but a friend, helps
the athlete to know that if they make a mistake there is a
friend there to talk to about the situation in an open,
honest and truthful manner.
S Example of positive feedback “That’s great John, your
hitting your targets every single time, keep it up !”

5. The Coach
S Every coach has their own personal psychology,
strategies and dominion in how they do things. Some
coaches are extremely friendly and humorous with their
athletes, whilst others belief it is a job and athletes are
not friends and the relationship shouldn‟t exceed coach
to athlete. Positive coaches have athletes that are
extremely high in confidence and believe that they are
unstoppable, and on the other side the athletes believe
that they are not good enough or fear being criticized so
lift and surprise themselves in the pressure.

6. The Coach perspective
S “In my experience, the best coaches are flexible and able
to adapt to the requirements of different situations. This
will nearly always involve criticism or punishment as well
as praise, but will rely primarily on a positive approach in
order to motivate players to perform at their best.” (Lee
Crust)
S Author of article Source D lecturer and researcher in sport and
exercise psychology

7. The Athlete
S Along with a coaches perspective the athlete themselves
also have the choice of whom should coach them. Some
athletes have very particular and varying tastes in types of
coaching styles. Some like coaches that are extremely
positive and supportive with boundless positivity, whilst
others like coaches who are tough and negative and push
them to their own limits. Although, some athletes have
extremely strong hearts, and but only need to push
themselves, whilst others need that push and positive
reinforcement to help them to succeed.
Sourc
e
E

8. Negative Feedback
S Negative feedback effects the athlete in an extreme way.
With ongoing negative feedback athletes begin to feel a
sense of uselessness, and their self esteem and self
worth is lowered as a direct result. Fear also comes into
play when performing as a result of this form of coaching.
S Athletes who believe that they will become under scrutiny
if they fail or make a mistake fail under pressure as their
minds are not focusing on the task at hand but on the
ramifications of if and when they do fail. This leads to not
only low self worth, but even at worst the decision to quit
the sport altogether.

9. Continued
S Although there is a need
for anxiety within
performing, too much
anxiety (fear) leads to
poor performance.
Source F

10. Example of negative
coaching/feedback
S After Kelly Sotherton achieved a Bronze medal in the
Olympic Heptathlon in Athens 2004 she was blasted by
her coach, Charles van Commenee who described most
of her performances as „mediocre‟ and criticised her for
not tapping into her reserves. (Source D)

11. Continued..
S Along with the athletes mindset the environment around
the athlete/s plays a role in coaching. A coach that
employs an extremely negative vibe and coaching style is
not only viewed by the athletes but also the witnesses
such as other coaches, players, officials and parents or
supporters. This can effect not only the coach but the
teams chemistry, clubs reputation, and even lead to
violence and legal consequences.
Source
G

12. Neutral Feedback
S Some coaches utilize the neutral feedback in being both
positive or negative feedback. Although both forms can
be extremely detailed and instructive, neutral gives little
detail and gives the athlete little to work off such as
“Good work”. Athletes need deep insightful criticism on
the skill or task in order to become more competent at
the skill.

13. Other Athletes
S Not only is the coach the only source of feedback. Other
athletes can also be utilized such as having two other
athletes being on opposing sides to view from another
varying perspective and giving constructive feedback
back to the athlete, as well as feedback from the coach.
This approach of feedback being both positive and
negative is useful as it allows athletes to see another
point of view.

14. Conclusion
S In Conclusion I believe that positive feedback when
coaching is most beneficial in terms of self esteem and
motivation. But there is a place within coaching for
negative feedback because as long as it is constructive
and gives the athlete some direction and education.
Negative coaches may seem angry and irritated but they
may just be fantastic tacticians and have a great
understanding of the technique or skill.

15. Referencing
S Source A (Image) –Author unknown. (date unknown) [Photograph] Retrieved from
http://popular-sports-of-europe.com/sports/b-communication-between-coaches-and-athletes/
S Source B (Book) – Kidman and Hanrahan (2011) The Coaching Process: A Practical Guide to
Becoming an Effective Sports Coach, pg 136- 142.
S Source C (Image) – Wilson, C. (2011). Mick Malthouse [photograph]. The Age. Retrieved from
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/malthouses-selfish-act-infuriates-magpies-board-
20110718-1hlnm.html
S Source D (Online source) – Lee Crust. (date unknown). Copyright article. Retrieved from
http://www.pponline.co.uk/encyc/sport-motivation.htm
S Source E (Image) – Wood J. (2011). Australian coach Tim Nielsen right, with captain Michael
Clarke [photograph]. Retrieved from http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-08-20/michael-clarke-
and-tim-nielsen/2848156
S Source F (Online source) –Jacofsky, Santos, Patel, Neziroglu, (2010). Copyright article.
Retrieved from http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=38465&cn=1
S Source G (Image) – Rumer, L (2011). Rick Carlisle [photograph]. Retrieved from
http://www.sportsencounter.com/news/nba-finals-2011-late-surge-excites-mavs-coach-23266.html