April 22, 2025
Hey Hammers families,
One of the biggest things we talk about as coaches is how to help each player not just play the game, but grow in it. And one of the most powerful tools we use to make that happen is feedback.
You’ve probably heard us say something after training like, “Great effort today,” or “Next time, keep your body shape tighter on defense.” Those moments might seem small, but they’re huge when it comes to development. In fact, players who consistently receive structured feedback are 70% more likely to improve. That’s why we take feedback seriously at Hammers and why we make time for evaluations throughout the season.
These aren’t just boxes to check. They're about helping your child become the most confident, complete player they can be.
We always want to highlight what’s going well. Maybe it’s a smart pass, a strong tackle, or simply great energy. These moments build confidence and show players what they should keep doing. Reinforcing the good is just as important as correcting the wrong.
When we spot an area for improvement, we don’t just say, “Do better.” We give real, specific advice players can apply. For example: “Try stepping to the attacker sooner and using your body to cut off that passing lane.” That’s real, usable feedback a player can take straight into their next rep.
We also encourage players to learn from each other. Giving and receiving feedback respectfully builds trust and team chemistry. It’s a big part of growing as a teammate.
This one’s often overlooked, but it’s powerful. We want our players thinking critically: What went well for me today? What could I do better next time? That mindset leads to maturity and long-term success.
Here’s what we love to see from players:
Be Specific: If you're talking about your performance, skip the “I did okay” and go with “I was quicker in transition today, but I need to improve my passing under pressure.”
Be Open: Feedback isn’t meant to discourage. It’s there to help. Your coaches are on your side, giving you tools to level up.
Ask Questions: If you’re unsure what something means, just ask. “Coach, can you show me what you meant by better positioning?” We love those conversations.
Keep Practicing: Hearing feedback is only the beginning. Putting it into action is where the real growth happens.
You play a huge role in how your player processes and applies feedback. Here’s how you can help:
Encourage conversations after practice or games. Ask questions like, “What did your coach point out today?”
Support the process, not just the outcome. We know how easy it is to focus on goals or wins, but celebrating effort, mindset, and improvement makes a much bigger impact.
Trust the development journey. Growth takes time and the feedback we give is all part of that process.
At Hammers Academy FC, we believe in being intentional with development. That’s why we do evaluations. They’re not about ranking players. They’re about tracking progress, identifying what’s next, and giving each athlete a clear picture of where they are and where they can go.
Evaluations give players a voice too. We want to know how they’re feeling, what they’re working on, and how we can support them even better.
Getting better doesn’t just happen with more minutes. It happens when those minutes are filled with learning, focus, and yes, feedback. So the next time you get a tip, a correction, or a high-five from your coach, take it in. That’s a step forward.
At Hammers, we’re here to guide every player on that journey. Our goal is to help them become more confident, capable, and coachable athletes. We’re proud of the progress we’ve seen and excited for what’s next.
Let’s keep learning. Let’s keep growing.
Are you looking to become a more well-rounded player?
The Hammer it Home Series is where you can learn more about the beautiful game and all that surrounds it — from a coach’s perspective.
