Feedback and Reinforcement Overview

Feedback is a crucial part of learning and improving performance in sport. It can be either intrinsic or extrinsic.
Intrinsic feedback is self-generated, such as the feeling an athlete gets during or immediately after performing a skill or movement.
Extrinsic feedback is provided by an external source, like a coach or teacher, and can be either visual, verbal or written.
Both types of feedback are important in sports, as they help athletes understand what they are doing correctly and identify areas to improve.

Types of Feedback

Positive feedback acknowledges success and reinforces how to execute the movement correctly. It boosts confidence, motivation and facilitates learning.
Negative feedback involves pointing out errors in the athlete’s performance. If presented correctly, it can lead to significant improvements by focusing on areas that need work.
Knowledge of performance (KP) is feedback about the technique or form used during a performance.
Knowledge of results (KR) is feedback about the outcome of a performance.

Reinforcement

Reinforcement involves using the outcomes of behaviour to influence the likelihood of behaviour being repeated.
Positive reinforcement strengthens a behaviour by providing a rewarding outcome.
Negative reinforcement strengthens a behaviour by taking away something unpleasant.
Punishment, in contrast, suppresses a behaviour by providing an undesirable outcome or taking away something desirable.

Feedback and Reinforcement in Sport

The use of both feedback and reinforcement can be powerful tools in sport to improve an athlete’s performance and to increase the likelihood of beneficial playing habits.
Coaches need to deliver both positive and negative feedback appropriately. Over-reliance on either one can have detrimental effects on an athlete’s performance and confidence.
Similarly, the use of both positive and negative reinforcement should be balanced, maintaining motivation whilst progressing the athlete’s skill level.
Coaches should remember that individuals respond differently to feedback and reinforcement, therefore the approach should be tailored to the individual needs of the athlete.

Students should be able to explain and differentiate different types of feedback (positive, negative, intrinsic, extrinsic, KP, KR) and reinforcement (positive, negative, punishment) and their roles in sports. Use examples from a variety of sports to illustrate these concepts. Be sure to consider how feedback and reinforcement can improve physical performance.