Improving skill performance involves the right kinds of practice as well as the use of helpful feedback. Two categories of feedback can help performers: intrinsic and extrinsic.
Intrinsic feedback is feedback provided from an internal source, such as the feedback a performer receives from her body. Examples include the feeling of contacting a ball on the racket strings, the feeling of transferring weight, and the overall feeling of the body while performing a movement (was it comfortable or uncomfortable?).
Extrinsic feedback is feedback provided by instructors, coaches, or peers. Extrinsic feedback can be grouped into two general types: knowledge of results (KR) and knowledge of performance (KP). For beginners learning a skill, KP that is simple and easy to understand is recommended. For example, one piece of KP feedback related to shooting a free throw could be "Follow through to the basketball hoop like you’re reaching into a cookie jar that is on a high shelf." The KP feedback is even better when it is positive. For example, "I like the way you’re reaching into the cookie jar on your follow-through." Providing too much feedback to beginners can lead to paralysis by analysis (information overload) and may make performance worse.
For advanced performers, KR and KP can be given with more specific information. For example, "The Frisbee keeps bending to the right and away from your target. Keep it level with the ground, release it at arm’s length, and follow through to your target." In this example KR and complex KP are given to the Frisbee thrower.
Try using KP and KR with your peers. Just as the best teachers, instructors, and coaches do, provide positive and specific information when you give feedback. Also, see if you can find examples of KP and KR in your physical education class.
