Feedback is one of those topics that doesn't get talked about enough in coaching circles. We talk about tactics, formations, training sessions—but how often do we really dig into how we communicate with players and whether that communication is actually landing?
That's what I wanted to explore in this episode. I brought together two returning guests—Temisan Williams and Mike Smith—for a focused conversation on delivering feedback to young players. Temisan has coached in Premier League academies including Arsenal and Fulham, and now runs the Coach Accelerator Masterclass helping coaches break into the elite game. Mike is a veteran coach educator with Coerver Coaching, working with coaches and clubs across Europe. Together they brought perspectives from both the academy and grassroots worlds.
The conversation covered a lot of ground: why feedback isn't one-size-fits-all, how cultural background and personality shape the way players receive information, and the importance of coaching the individual rather than just the team. We talked about observation as a form of coaching, the value of silence, and why less is often more when it comes to what we say on the sidelines.
We also got into the emotional side of development—the patience required when progress isn't linear, and how feedback should ultimately build confidence and a love for the game. And we explored the idea of player agency: giving players a voice in their own development and asking them how they want to receive feedback in the first place.
“Show players their super strengths in action in the game... help them to really understand how brilliant it is, how they're using it, how it's growing.”
Whether you're coaching in an academy or running a grassroots team, there's something here for you. The specifics may differ, but the underlying principles—know your players, keep it simple, stay positive, and help them discover who they are—apply across the board.
Listen to CoachCraft on your favorite podcast player:
“You want to develop confidence with your kids and develop courage. And confidence and courage, that's fearless kids. And we want fearless kids having great fun on the field.”
Takeaways
Know your players as individuals – Cultural background, personality, and family upbringing all shape how players receive feedback
Observation is coaching – Stepping back and watching can be just as powerful as verbal instruction
Keep it short, specific, and focused – One thing at a time; don't overwhelm players with information
Lead with the positive – Especially with younger players, start with what they're doing well
Give players agency – Ask them how they want to receive feedback and involve them in setting development goals
Be patient with the journey – Development isn't a straight line
The coach-player relationship is everything – Tech can help, but it can't replace direct human connection
To learn more about Temisan's work with the Coach Accelerator Masterclass, find him on LinkedIn. For more on Mike’s work, visit https://coachfives.com.
More on Player Feedback
For any youth-focused club today, player care and wellbeing must come first. That means clear values, strong organisation, and a real investment in coach recruitment and training. It also means being able to show parents — simply and confidently — that their child’s development, confidence, and happiness are central to how the club defines “a winning season.”
CoachFives.com
The CoachCraft Podcast
CoachCraft explores the art and impact of coaching youth sports through in-depth conversations with renowned coaches from grassroots to professional levels, revealing how exceptional mentors use athletics to shape character, build confidence, and positively impact young lives.
Learn more at https://coachcraftpodcast.com.
