By Tim Bradbury, Director of Coaching, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association
In order to improve as a coach, we all need feedback. This is an undeniable truth. Even my coaching articles need feedback too. Yet in most clubs, meaningful feedback is almost nonexistent. Many coaches operate in a vacuum, without a technical lead to provide support and guidance. Some are hesitant to share honest reflections on their sessions, while others lack the skill, structure, or time to critically reflect in a way that leads to real growth.
Research suggests that many coaches, without proper training in reflection, do so inaccurately—sometimes up to 80% incorrectly. This highlights three key areas for improvement:
- Clubs should create environments where coaches receive regular observation and formative feedback, ideally supported by video analysis.
- Clubs should upskill coaches in reflective practice so that reflection leads to clear learning plans and intentional development.
- We should always ask the players. Players tend to provide honest, concise and valuable feedback.
Below is a simple “Ask the Players” tool that coaches can use to gather meaningful insights and support their own development.
ASK THE PLAYERS
In addition to structured observation and session recording, one of the most effective ways to gather feedback is to ask the players themselves.
Would you describe your practices as busy and active?
- Not at all
- Somewhat
- Busy
- Very busy
Do you spend a lot of time at practice standing around waiting for things to be organized?
- Frequently
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
Your coach helps you enjoy practice:
- Frequently
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
Your coach pushes you to work hard:
- Frequently
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
Your coach frequently uses questions and asks you to think and solve problems:
- Frequently
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
Your coach is more likely to give an order than ask a question:
- Frequently
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
Your coach shows interest in things you do outside of soccer:
- Frequently
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
Your coach uses humor to help make training fun:
- Frequently
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
Your coach treats mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow:
- Frequently
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
When you make a mistake, your coach gets angry:
- Frequently
- Sometimes
- Rarely
- Never
You feel that your coach is most concerned with:
- Winning only
- Player development only
- A good balance
You would say that your coach:
- Talks all the time
- Lets you talk
- Helps the team talk together
Your coach presents information in a way that:
- You easily understand
- Is too much at once
- Is too confusing
Complete the sentence: I wish my coach would…
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________