Introduction
“I’ve been focusing on giving specific feedback to players and using video clips to help them understand.”
This coach’s development focus highlights a crucial skill gap: Most coaches give general feedback when specific feedback drives real improvement.
The General Feedback Problem
Common Phrases That Don’t Help
- “Good job!”
- “Well done!”
- “Unlucky!”
- “Keep going!”
- “Nice one!”
These feel supportive. They provide no information.
Players leave knowing whether you’re pleased or not. They don’t know why. They can’t replicate or adjust.
Why We Default to General
Time Pressure Specific feedback takes thought. General feedback is instant.
Observation Skill Specific feedback requires seeing the detail. General feedback requires seeing the outcome.
Knowledge Gap If you don’t know what good looks like in detail, you can’t describe it.
The Specific Feedback Difference
Instead of “Good job”
“Your first touch took the ball across your body perfectly - that’s why you had space to play forward.”
Now the player knows:
- What they did right
- Why it worked
- What to replicate
Instead of “Unlucky”
“Your weight of pass was good, but you telegraphed the direction. Next time, look one way and pass the other.”
Now the player knows:
- What was correct
- What to change
- How to improve
Instead of “Keep going”
“You’re getting into good positions but receiving with your back to goal. Open your body to see the whole pitch before the ball arrives.”
Now the player knows:
- What’s working
- What’s limiting them
- The specific adjustment needed
Developing Specific Feedback Skills
Watch More Closely
Most coaches watch games more than players. Focus on individuals:
- What does their technique look like?
- Where do they position themselves?
- What’s their decision-making pattern?
Know What Good Looks Like
Study quality. Then you can describe the gap between current and desired.
Prepare Key Points
Before sessions, identify 2-3 specific things you’ll be looking for. This focuses your observation.
Use Video
“Using video clips to help them understand.”
Video makes invisible things visible. Players can see what you’re describing.
Even phone footage in training creates powerful feedback opportunities.
Practice Articulating
Specific feedback is a skill. Practice describing technique in precise terms:
- Not “better” but “weight distributed more evenly”
- Not “earlier” but “before the ball arrives rather than after”
- Not “harder” but “following through towards your target”
The Impact
Faster Development
Players who understand exactly what to change, change faster.
Better Retention
Specific feedback is memorable. “Keep your toe under the ball” sticks. “Hit it better” doesn’t.
Increased Confidence
When players understand WHY something works, they can replicate it intentionally.
Improved Relationship
Specific feedback demonstrates you’re truly watching. Players feel seen.
Conclusion
“I’ve been focusing on better detail in my coaching.”
Detail is the difference between coaches who develop players and coaches who supervise games.
Develop your eye. Sharpen your language. Give feedback that players can actually use.