Feedback is fuel.
But only if it gets heard the right way.
If you’re a coach, you’ve been there: you give a cue, a correction, a piece of advice — and instead of a lightbulb moment, your athlete pulls back, shuts down, or gets defensive.
The problem isn’t always what you’re saying.
More often, it’s how it’s landing.
Let’s break it down.
💡 The Truth: Athletes Don’t All Hear Feedback the Same Way
Just like athletes are wired differently on the field, they’re wired differently in how they receive information — especially when it feels personal or high-stakes.
Some interpret feedback as support
→ “Coach believes in me and wants me to grow.”
Some interpret it as pressure
→ “I’m not good enough — again.”
Others hear criticism, even when it’s not intended that way
→ “I’m being singled out, I failed.”
These reactions aren’t about attitude — they’re about wiring.
🧠 What’s Actually Happening?
When feedback hits an athlete’s nervous system the “wrong” way, their body kicks into fight, flight, or freeze mode. That’s not stubbornness — that’s biology.
And once an athlete is in that state, learning stops. Retention drops. Trust takes a hit.
🛠️ So What Can You Do Instead?
Here are a few Squad_U-backed strategies that work:
1. Know their wiring.
Some athletes crave direct, high-energy coaching. Others need softer, trust-based tones. Get curious about what helps each one hear you best.
2. Coach the moment, not the mistake.
Instead of “You messed that up again,” try, “Here’s what I saw — what did you notice?”
Now you’re collaborating, not correcting.
3. Create safety before you give feedback.
Small things like using their name, checking in before jumping in, or leading with what’s going well can make tough feedback easier to receive.
4. Build the bridge before you walk across it.
Relationship capital matters. Feedback lands better when trust is already there. Invest in connection early and often.
🔁 TL;DR — Feedback That Sticks
- Say it differently, not louder
- Deliver it the way they need it
- Connect first, coach second
When feedback meets hardwiring, that’s when athletes actually grow.
📣 Want to dive deeper into how your team receives feedback — and how to adapt your coaching to unlock more?
Let’s talk.
#Squad_U #CoachTheMind #FeedbackIsFuel #AthletePerformance #MentalToughness #HardwiringMatters #BetterTogether