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- The Huddle - Edition 67
The Huddle - Edition 67
A weekly newsletter from The Coaching Dad.
The Coaching Dad
October 09, 2025
Insight of the week
All About Player Feedback
We’ve all been there. Your player misses an assignment, loses focus, or struggles to grasp a skill — and you feel the urge to fix it with feedback. But in youth sports, the way we offer that feedback matters just as much as the what. Words can stick longer than we think — especially when they come from someone a child looks up to. This week, we’re digging into the art of feedback: how coaches and parents can guide young athletes without crushing their spirit. Done right, feedback builds confidence, resilience, and trust. Done poorly, it can create fear, confusion, or even burnout. Let’s get it right.
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Insight of the week
How to Deliver Constructive Feedback
Constructive feedback isn’t about pointing out what went wrong — it’s about helping a young athlete see a clear path forward. And that takes intention, timing, and tone.
The first rule: correct privately, praise publicly. Young athletes are hyper-aware of social dynamics. If you correct them in front of their teammates, especially in a harsh or sarcastic tone, it can erode confidence fast. Instead, pull them aside after a drill or during a water break. Use calm, supportive language that focuses on effort and opportunity for growth.
Use the “feedback sandwich” method sparingly and strategically — praise, correction, encouragement — but don’t rely on it as a formula. Kids are smart; they’ll see through it if it feels forced. Instead, use specific, actionable language. Say:
“You’re getting into great position — now try leading with your left foot to stay balanced.”
Rather than:
“You’re doing it wrong, stop stepping backward.”
And perhaps most importantly — know when to say nothing. Immediately after a tough moment, your player may need a second to process or cool off. Some of the best coaching feedback comes a few hours later, or even the next day, when emotions have settled and the player is open to hearing it.
Coaches who master feedback build players who trust them — and trust unlocks performance.
Drill of the week
Under Pressure Inbound
Sport: Basketball
Goal: Help players understand spacing, timing, communication, and reading defenders during sideline or baseline inbound plays.
Setup:
Use one half of the court, preferably starting near the baseline.
Assign 5 offensive players and 5 defenders.
One player begins as the inbounder.
The remaining 4 offensive players start in a “stack” formation — lined up vertically near the ball-side elbow or just outside the key, depending on placement.
Coach can place cones to simulate defensive pressure or zone traps.
Steps:
Initial Walk-Through: Start by walking through the “stack” formation. Players should understand who is first, second, third, and fourth in the stack.
Movement Breakdown:
Player 1 (top of the stack): Immediately cuts hard to the corner for a quick catch-and-shoot or to create space.
Player 2: Fakes out, then cuts to the opposite wing or elbow area, becoming a safety valve option.
Player 3: Curls under or around the screen set by Player 4 and cuts hard to the ball-side block for a potential layup or quick entry.
Player 4: Sets a screen for Player 3, then pops out to the top of the key or short corner, ready to shoot or reset the offense.
Inbounder: Reads the defense and selects the safest, most open option. Emphasize quick decision-making and pump fakes to shift defenders.
Live Execution with Light Defense: Run the sequence at 50% speed with defenders shadowing, gradually increasing pressure as players become more comfortable.
Progress to Game Speed: Add clock awareness by running the drill with a 5-second count. Have the defender apply more pressure on the inbounder, and run alternate versions (e.g., sideline stack, baseline box).
Rotate Roles: Give each player a turn inbounding and playing different positions in the stack to increase understanding and flexibility.
Coaching Points:
Teach players not to stand still after the cut. Keep moving to remain an option.
Stress the importance of timing — a cut too early or too late disrupts spacing and creates turnovers.
Train the inbounder to use their voice: calling names, giving eye contact, and using fakes to move defenders.
This drill also builds basketball IQ — players learn to recognize defensive traps, mismatches, and spacing gaps.
This is a foundational drill that builds confidence in late-game scenarios, out-of-timeout sets, and moments where a clean inbound can make or break a possession.
Coaching tip of the week
Supporting Struggling Players with Feedback
When a young athlete is underperforming or stuck in a rut, your feedback can either lift them up or dig the hole deeper. The key is shifting from judgment to curiosity. Ask yourself: “Why might this player be struggling?” before you assume effort is the issue.
1. Focus on the Behavior, Not the Person.
Avoid phrases like “You’re lazy” or “You’re not getting it.” Instead say, “I’ve noticed you’re having a tough time getting to the right spot — want to walk through it together?” It signals that you see the problem as fixable and not personal.
2. Invite Dialogue.
Struggling athletes often already know they’re not playing well. Instead of piling on, ask questions: “What felt hard out there today?” or “What do you think we could work on together?” This gives them agency and makes it a two-way conversation.
3. Reinforce the Long Game.
Remind them (and yourself) that growth takes time. Confidence isn’t built on perfection — it’s built on persistence. Celebrate progress. Small wins matter.
4. Be Predictable with Standards.
Don’t reserve high expectations for your best players. Make it clear that everyone is held to the same effort and attitude standards. Struggling players often thrive when they know what’s expected and that it’s consistent across the team.
In short: struggling players don’t need softer coaching — they need smarter coaching. Be the adult who helps them navigate the frustration without losing belief in themselves.
Blog highlight
Giving Feedback That Helps, Not Hurts
You’ve got that one or two athletes who work hard, show up early, but still seem stuck—they aren’t improving, getting frustrated, or losing confidence. That’s when feedback becomes your most powerful tool… or your biggest liability. Giving feedback to struggling players is tricky because you’re walking a tightrope between being constructive and being demotivating. Do it well, and those kids grow, feel understood, and start making real strides. Do it poorly, and you risk pushing them away or chipping away at their self-esteem..
The Volunteer Coach Academy
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Book highlight
The Constant Coach
This isn’t just a book—it’s your daily reset.
The Constant Coach delivers 366 motivational messages for coaches and parents who lead with more than a whistle and a clipboard. Whether you’re on the field, in the gym, or at the kitchen table planning practice, this book will guide you to show up with purpose, patience, and presence.
Each daily entry is built around real coaching values—like character, communication, confidence, and composure—and comes with practical insights, tough love, and thoughtful reflection. It’s written for:
Volunteer parents stepping up to lead
Career coaches seeking steady perspective
Anyone trying to grow the next generation through sports
You won’t find fluff here. Just honest encouragement, insights, tips, and reminders of why the work matters—even on the hard days.
Friends of The Coaching Dad
A Refreshing Look at Fundraising
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