The 5 most impactful feedback lessons

[AutomaticBackhand]

I have spent a lot of time figuring out how to improve at table tennis in fast and effective ways.

And one of the largest and most impactful non-TT fields is learning and neuroscience.

In this post specifically, I want to cover feedback.

Why?
I can probably find and make practical use out of information using the internet better than anyone (seriously) on any topic or idea.
Podcasts, E-books, interviews, AI, articles, YT Videos etc. - anything.
TT is one of those and I want to help people with these insights.

Even if it is only for 1 person.

So, here are 5 impactful feedback lessons for your TT progress.

1. Prioritize Specific, Actionable Feedback Over General Comments

Avoids confusion and wasted effort.

• Focuses on 1-2 key areas at a time.
• Clearly describes the desired change, not just "better" or "try harder."
• Uses precise language, demonstrations, or video analysis to illustrate the correction.
• Provides actionable advice, suggesting specific steps to implement the change.

Example: Instead of: "Your forehand loop is weak,"
"Focus on brushing the ball higher, aiming for a contact point just above its center. This will give you more topspin."

2. Both Positive and Constructive Feedback: The "Sandwich" Technique

• Impact: Maintains motivation and builds confidence while still addressing areas needing improvement.
• Characteristics:
  • Begins with genuine praise, highlighting something the player did well.
  • Follows with specific, actionable critique in a supportive tone.
  • Ends on an encouraging note, reinforcing effort and progress, even if there are errors to work on.

Example: "Your footwork was great on that point—you got to the ball early. Now try contacting the ball slightly in front of your body, this will add more power to your forehand drive. Keep practicing, you're getting closer each time!"

3. Actively Seek Feedback, Don't Just Passively Receive It

• Impact: Demonstrates a growth mindset, takes ownership of the learning process, and ensures feedback is targeted to your specific needs.
• Characteristics:
  • Ask specific questions, focusing on the exact area you're trying to improve.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification or a different explanation if feedback isn't clear.
  • Engage with feedback providers – discuss their observations, ask for examples, and show genuine interest in their insights.

Example: "I’m working on making my backhand block more consistent. Could you watch my racket angle and tell me if I'm keeping it too open or closed?"

4. Utilize a Mix of Feedback Sources: Internal, External, and Objective

• Impact: Provides a multi-faceted understanding of your performance, reveals blind spots, and accelerates learning through diverse perspectives.
• Characteristics:
  • Internal Feedback: Pay attention to body sensations, how the stroke feels, where the ball lands—this provides immediate awareness of your execution.
  • External Feedback: Seek out expert advice from coaches, diverse perspectives from training partners, and specific observations from spectators or other trusted individuals.
  • Objective Feedback: Use video analysis to remove bias, identify subtle flaws, and track progress over time.

Example: Combining all three—analyze how a stroke felt (internal), ask your coach for specific observations (external), and then review a video recording (objective) to gain a comprehensive understanding of your technique.

5. Match the Type and Complexity of Feedback to Your Skill Level

• Impact: Prevents overwhelm for beginners, ensures continuous challenge for advanced players.
• Characteristics:
  • Beginner: Simple cues, encouragement, basic corrections focused on consistency and fundamental mechanics.
  • Intermediate: More detailed feedback on spin, placement, tactical play, with a focus on refining technique and developing strategic awareness.
  • Advanced: Subtle adjustments, mental game insights, analysis of tactical patterns against different opponents, and strategies for refining a personalized playing style.

If you liked this and want to learn more about Feedback for TT, have a look at this file I created:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/19OL2eK8XQs4qGiQBDhW3bdBDHkFx2bQe2BeYgFl3kjU/edit

It's a Google Doc ( don't worry, no scam).
You can download it as a PDF.

Or with the attachment below.

If you have any other questions or feedback, let me know.

 

[Gozo Aruna]

1. Move your legs.
2. Move your darn legs.
3. Muv yer fecking darn legs.
4. Move your legs or you'll have to dodge hot lead.
5. All of the above.

 

[AutomaticBackhand]

Here is more from the PDF file about avoiding Feedback mistakes for better progress:

"3.1 Too Much Feedback: Overwhelm vs. Targeted Improvement
Imagine a coach bombarding you with a dozen corrections after every stroke –
"Your grip’s off, your footwork’s wrong, your follow-through is inconsistent, your…" Overload leads to:

• Confusion and Frustration: Trying to address too many things at once makes it difficult to focus on specific improvements, leading to overwhelm and a feeling of being lost in a sea of corrections.
• Diminished Self-Confidence: Constant criticism, even if well-intentioned, can erode your confidence and make you hesitant to try new things or push your limits.

The Solution: Targeted Feedback

• Prioritize One or Two Key Areas: Focus on the most crucial errors or the areas that will have the biggest impact on your current skill level.
• Break Down Complex Feedback: Instead of addressing everything at once, divide it into manageable chunks, focusing on one specific aspect at a time.
• Example: Instead of trying to fix grip, stance, and swing all at once, focus first on establishing a consistent grip, then move on to footwork, and gradually incorporate swing adjustments.

3.2 Vague Feedback: “Better” Doesn't Equal Effective Change
Hearing "That was better!" or "Try harder next time" offers little in terms of actionable insight. Vague feedback doesn’t provide a clear path to improvement.
The Solution: Specific and Actionable Feedback

• Focus on Measurable Changes: "Try hitting the ball with more topspin” is too broad. “On your next forehand, focus on brushing the ball upwards, aiming for a contact point higher on the ball.”
• Provide Concrete Examples: Instead of "Your footwork is off," "On your backhand, remember to step towards the ball with your right foot before swinging."
• Utilize Visuals: Show a demonstration, draw a diagram, or analyze video footage to illustrate the correction or desired technique.

3.3 Negative Feedback Only: Discouragement vs. Motivation
Constantly focusing on errors, without acknowledging what you’re doing well, leads to a demoralizing learning experience. Everyone makes mistakes; it’s how we learn from them that matters.
The Solution: The "Sandwich" Technique

• Start with a Positive: "Your footwork was excellent on that last point—you reached the ball early and were well-balanced. Now, try..."
• Provide Constructive Criticism: "...to finish your forehand stroke higher, aiming for a follow-through above your head. This will generate more topspin."
• End with Encouragement: "Keep practicing those high finishes, and you'll see a big difference in your topspin consistency."

3.4 Not Using Feedback: Wasted Effort, Repeated Mistakes
Receiving feedback is only half the battle. If you ignore it, dismiss it, or don't actively incorporate it into your practice, you’ll miss out on its transformative power.
The Solution: Active Feedback Integration

• Engage with Your Feedback Providers: Ask questions, seek clarification, discuss their observations.
• Focus on Implementation: Dedicate practice time to specifically address the feedback you’ve received.
• Track Your Progress: Keep a training journal, use a video analysis app, or regularly review your goals and adjustments to monitor how your feedback integration is impacting your performance.

3.5 Giving Feedback Effectively: Clarity, Specificity, Positivity
Whether you're providing feedback to a peer or receiving it from your coach, effective communication enhances the learning process.

• Be Clear and Concise: Avoid using jargon or overly technical language.
• Focus on One or Two Key Points: Don’t overwhelm the receiver with too much information at once.
• Emphasize Strengths and Positive Changes: Recognize their efforts, highlight improvements, and foster motivation, even when pointing out areas that need work.
• Provide Actionable Advice: Don't just identify what's wrong, suggest clear steps to fix it."