When giving feedback, what should the coach avoid doing initially?

Jumping to conclusions without sufficient evidence is something a coach should avoid initially when giving feedback. This approach can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunications about an athlete’s performance. Coaches need to base their feedback on observable behaviors and facts rather than assumptions which may not accurately reflect a player’s skills or efforts. By gathering all necessary information and providing a clear, evidence-based assessment, coaches can ensure that feedback is constructive and relevant.

In contrast, assessing the players' technical skills, asking for team member opinions, and identifying specific issues with performance are important components of effective feedback. These practices help create a supportive environment where athletes feel valued and understood, ultimately leading to improvement and development. However, without establishing a solid foundation of evidence first, any feedback given may be misguided or unfounded, hindering a player’s growth.