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The Criticism Sandwich Explained

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Watch youth sport coaches from around the country put the principles from Play Positive and Positive Coaching Alliance to work with their athletes.

This video shows a youth lacrosse coach giving his player feedback after a game. He utilizes the “criticism sandwich” as a way to reinforce positive play, while also suggesting critical changes. The trick to this method is to frame the criticism with two truthful and specific positives, so that the athlete feels confident and able to implement the feedback. As this coach points out, this is best done in a 1-on-1 situation with the player.

Positive Coaching Alliance is proud to have worked with Liberty Mutual Insurance to create this video and other powerful resources.