Which statement about feedback frequency is most accurate for skill development?

• A. Constant feedback is always best.
• B. Immediate and specific feedback supports error correction and learning, but intermittent feedback can promote problem-solving.
• C. Feedback should never be given.
• D. Feedback should only focus on outcomes.

Answer: (B)

Feedback frequency matters because it shapes how learners detect errors and adjust their movements. Providing feedback immediately after each attempt helps the performer see exactly what went wrong and how to fix it, making the practice more efficient and the technique more accurate. Specific feedback is more helpful than vague comments because it points to the exact aspect to change.

At the same time, giving feedback after every single attempt can create a dependence on cues from the coach, which can hinder the learner’s ability to problem-solve and monitor their own performance. Introducing feedback intermittently—after a set of attempts or after a short pause—encourages the learner to analyze their performance, compare trials, and develop strategies to correct errors on their own. This combination—immediate, specific guidance for error correction, paired with periodic, intermittent feedback to promote problem-solving—tends to support both quick error reduction and longer-term skill acquisition.

So the best approach emphasizes immediate and specific feedback for learning the technique, while using intermittent feedback to foster independent problem-solving and retention.