What does balanced feedback include?

• A. It includes both positive and constructive comments.
• B. It should be entirely critical to provoke improvement.
• C. It should be delivered in a public setting.
• D. It should focus only on technique, ignoring effort.

Answer: (A)

Balanced feedback blends praise for what went well with clear, specific guidance on what to improve and how to do it. It supports motivation by acknowledging strengths while also pointing to concrete, achievable adjustments. In practice, you name the effective parts of the performance (for example, a solid kick, good rhythm, or strong turns) and pair that with precise steps for improvement (such as refining technique, timing, or efficiency). The guidance should be behavior-focused and actionable, so the athlete knows exactly what to adjust next time. It also often includes acknowledging effort and process, not just the result, which helps build confidence and a growth mindset. This approach contrasts with criticizing everything, focusing only on technique while ignoring effort, or delivering feedback inappropriately in public. By combining positive reinforcement with constructive, practical recommendations, feedback supports ongoing development and keeps athletes engaged and willing to work toward the next goal.