Performance Feedback in Sport

Feedback plays a crucial role in informing sports people about their performance quality or progress. It can focus on providing information about the results achieved (knowledge of results) or the techniques used to achieve those results (knowledge of performance). Feedback can be categorised as intrinsic (internal) or extrinsic (external) and may be delivered in positive or negative forms.

 Intrinsic and Extrinsic Performance Feedback in Sport:

Intrinsic Feedback: This type of feedback comes from the performer's own senses and perceptions during skill execution. For example, feeling the contact of a ball with the bat in cricket.

Extrinsic Feedback: External information provided to the performer from sources outside of themselves, such as coaches, peers, or technology. For instance, a coach's verbal instruction on how to improve a tennis serve.

Knowledge of Results (KR) and Knowledge of Performance (KP):

Knowledge of Results (KR): Feedback that informs performers about the outcome of their actions. For example, telling a sprinter their race time after a race.

Knowledge of Performance (KP): Feedback that focuses on the technique or execution of a skill. This could involve advice on body positioning or movement patterns during a gymnastics routine.

Feedback to Sports people at Beginner and Elite Levels:

Beginners: Beginners benefit from clear and simple feedback that helps them understand the basics of skill execution. Feedback should focus on fundamental techniques and encourage progress.

Elite Level Performers: Elite athletes require more detailed and nuanced feedback to fine-tune their performance. Feedback at this level may involve subtle adjustments to technique, strategy refinement, and mental preparation.

Advantages of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Feedback:

Intrinsic Feedback:

Advantages:

Immediate and continuous.

Helps performers develop a sense of proprioception and kinesthetic awareness.

Encourages self-regulation and independence in learning.

Extrinsic Feedback:

Advantages:

Provides external perspective and expertise.

Offers insights that performers may not perceive on their own.

Allows for targeted corrections and improvements based on objective observations.

Positive and Negative Performance Feedback in Sport:

Positive Feedback: Reinforces successful performance and encourages repetition of effective actions. For example, praising a basketball player for making a successful shot.

Negative Feedback: Highlights areas for improvement and guides performers towards correcting errors. For instance, pointing out a tennis player's footwork mistakes during a match.

Performance feedback is essential for athletes at all levels to monitor progress, refine skills, and optimise performance. Whether intrinsic or extrinsic, knowledge of results or knowledge of performance, feedback provides valuable information to guide athletes towards achieving their goals in sport. Understanding the types and benefits of feedback helps coaches and sports psychologists tailor their approaches to meet the specific needs of individual athletes and enhance their development and performance.