Positive and negative performance feedback in sport
Positive feedback is experienced when a performance achieves the intended outcome. When a rugby player passes a ball they receive positive feedback when they see that the receiver successfully catches their pass. Likewise, a gymnast would receive positive feedback when they feel the full surface of the beam striking their foot as they land accurately after a somersault.
Negative feedback is experienced when a performer does not achieve the intended outcome. When a netball player shoots and the ball bounces off the rim and misses, the player receives negative feedback. This encourages the shooter to adjust their technique in future shots. When a slalom skier slips on the ice and crashes out, this is negative feedback. Once again, the performer can adjust their gate turns on their next run based on the error they made.
The key to using positive and negative feedback optimally is to judge the performance as well as the outcome. Therefore a tennis player who loses a tennis match but serves with a very high first serve percentage receives both positive and negative feedback.
