Top tips for coaches to boost player morale and give constructive feedback
Focus on the effort and the mindset, rather than the final score.
Alberton Rugby Club director Shane Kirkwood is no stranger in rugby circles, having played for many years in South Africa and Europe in the French third division.
According to Kirkwood, players must be open to constructive criticism and honest feedback from their coaches and team leaders.
“As a player, you might do something on the field, costing the team and are unaware of it. When the coach points this out to you, be receptive to the feedback and never view it negatively, even if said during a meeting with other players,” said Kirkwood.
Coaches and team leaders must always encourage players and give constructive feedback to motivate and critique them without diminishing their confidence.
The following steps ensure that you do both:
Begin with positivity:
Start by highlighting what the player or team did well. Positive feedback boosts confidence and morale. Be specific about their strengths, like good teamwork, effort, or skills that are demonstrated.
Constructive and specific feedback:
When offering feedback, make sure it is achievable. Do not just point out what went wrong, focus on how the team can improve. This makes it feel more like a pathway for growth rather than just criticism.
Use the ‘sandwich’ technique:
A common tactic is the ‘sandwich’, where you give positive feedback, followed by constructive criticism, and end with more encouragement. This keeps feedback balanced and ensures the players feel motivated to improve.
Be empathetic:
Pay attention to their feelings and provide space to reflect on the match. Whether frustrated or proud, understanding where they are coming from can help frame your feedback that feels supportive.
Encourage effort over results:
Focus on the effort and the mindset, rather than the final score. This helps with resilience and growth, especially if things do not go as planned.
Make it a conversation:
After offering feedback, ask questions or engage in a discussion. This shows you value their perspective and allows them to reflect on their performance. It also turns feedback into a two-way conversation, which can enhance learning.
Narrow your focus areas:
Avoid overwhelming them with too many things to work on. Narrow the focus to one or two key areas they can target in practice or future matches. This keeps the feedback clear and achievable.
Give space to process:
After the match, players may need time to process the feedback. Be mindful of the timing of your feedback and avoid overwhelming them immediately after a game, especially if it was a tough one.
Set realistic and achievable goals:
Provide clear goals for improvement. Help them see how to implement the feedback and offer support. Specific, measurable goals help create a sense of purpose.
