The Coach Who Asks: Feedback Without Giving the Answer

In pairs, one student repeats a technical skill from the lesson in slow motion while the other acts as a coach who may only ask questions to help the partner discover what to improve. Students practice a feedback style that builds autonomy and reflection.

How to play

1. Explain the difference between correcting ("bend your knee more") and asking ("what do you notice in your knee when you catch?"). Hand out a card with a bank of open questions (2 min).
2. The player performs a skill from today three times at slow speed (pass, throw, start, stroke) while the coach watches (1 min).
3. The coach asks no more than three questions; the player answers, suggests an adjustment and tries it twice (2 min).
4. Switch roles with a different skill (3 min).
5. Each pair shares which question was most helpful, and it is added to the class question bank (2 min).

Rules

• The coach may not give instructions or solutions, only ask questions.
• Questions are about the performance, never about the person.
• The skill is always performed slowly and without opposition.
• If the player can't answer, the coach rephrases the question instead of answering it.

Variations

Adaptations

• Deaf or hard of hearing: the coach writes questions on the card or uses sign language if they know it.
• Autism: allow the student to start as the player and to use yes/no questions at first.
• Injured students: take part only as the coach or as the third-role observer.

Learning goals

• Practice question-based feedback that encourages autonomy.
• Analyze their own technique through questions.
• Communicate respectfully and constructively with classmates.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cards: 15

Teacher tip

At first, direct corrections slip out; point it out with humor and ask students to rephrase. This format is great preparation for leadership and refereeing tasks.

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