Which aspect of feedback is typically more effective during athletic performance?

Concurrent feedback refers to information provided to an athlete during the performance of a skill or activity. This immediate feedback allows athletes to make real-time adjustments to their technique, enhancing their learning process and skill acquisition. For instance, if a coach guides a swimmer while they are swimming, the swimmer can apply the advice instantaneously, leading to better performance adjustments and outcomes.

The effectiveness of concurrent feedback is rooted in the way it engages the athlete in the moment, promoting a deeper understanding of their movements and any errors occurring in real-time. This can lead to enhanced motor learning as athletes correct mistakes while they are actively performing, facilitating quicker improvement.

In contrast, delayed feedback occurs after the performance has finished and can sometimes result in a gap in the athlete's ability to connect feedback with specific actions taken during the performance. While valuable for thorough analysis and reflection, it may not provide the immediate benefits that concurrent feedback offers in an athletic context.

Verbal feedback and visual feedback can also be beneficial, but their effectiveness often depends on the timing and context. Verbal feedback might not provide enough immediate connection to the actions taken, while visual feedback typically requires the athlete to process what they see and may not translate directly back into immediate action.

Thus, concurrent feedback is recognized as particularly beneficial