Coach of SGF Athletics FC, Jamiu Isa popularly known as the Future One has suggested points to consider when giving players feedback.
In his Football Diary series, the Future One emphasised that the manner in which players are given feedback determines how players eventually evaluate their performance. In his words, he says: ‘Constructive feedback requires extensive mental training and one’s ability to exercise self awareness on both the giving and receiving end.’
Below are some of the key points:
- How Much (Amount they can take on)
- When (Timing)
- Where (Private or Public)
- Why (Showing mistakes or key areas)
- What’s Next (Action steps)
How Much (Amount they can take on)
It’s extremely important for coaches to find a balance between talking too much and communicating effectively when giving feedback to players with clarity on specific areas and discovery question which helps players reflect on performance with proper guidance.
When (Timing)
It’s absolutely essential to take a breath to observe and listen to your players deliberately, intentionally to understand their emotions, feelings, thinking and the right time for them to absorb and accept constructive feedback which might be that day, next day or few days before the next game.
Where (Private or Public)
Tell me my mistake not to others.
From experience, most players are more comfortable with 1 v 1 feedback in private than public spaces. We need our players to express their vulnerability, emotions with responsibility to profound solution to challenges, mistakes, failure, criticism being face on the pitch and become the best version of themselves.
Why (Showing mistakes or key areas)
Self reflection, reorientation, execution of tactics and specificity on positional objectives of players is being assessed. Players checklist are key factor to know what went well and areas that need to improve technically, tactically, psychologically which can optimise execution and competitiveness.
What’s Next (Action steps)
Daily routine, consistent practice in isolation with specific objectives and desire to improve and progress is Paramount.
Note: Feedback considers the past but is always about the future.
The Future One Football Diary.
— THE FUTURE ONE.💪⚽ (@jaymee2020) July 11, 2022
“No matter what you are doing in your practices if your players are not learning something significant. You are really not coaching.”
Read more! pic.twitter.com/1vJSDYSI1S
Coach Jamiu Isa holds an English FA Level 1, British Council Premier Skills Coach Educator, PE Instructor, and Football Coach.
