Which principle should coaching feedback emphasize?

• A. To criticize the act, not the person
• B. To criticize the person publicly
• C. To avoid feedback
• D. To emphasize only outcomes

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that feedback should target the action or behavior, not the person. When you critique what was done rather than who you think the person is, the athlete can hear, learn, and improve without feeling attacked or shamed. This keeps the focus on concrete steps to change and supports a growth mindset, which is crucial for steady performance development. It also helps maintain trust and motivation in the coach–athlete relationship, so feedback is more likely to be received and acted on.

Why this works best: pointing out the act gives specific, actionable guidance—what to adjust, how to adjust it, and why it matters for performance. It preserves the athlete’s self-esteem, reducing defensiveness and encouraging effort and experimentation.

Why other approaches don’t fit: criticizing the person publicly damages confidence and can destroy trust, making future feedback less likely to be heard. Avoiding feedback altogether halts learning and progression. focusing only on outcomes ignores the processes behind performance, missing essential opportunities to correct technique, decision-making, and habits that lead to those results.