Feedback tells performers how well they performed. It is a vital component of the information processing model and can focus on knowledge of results or performance and can be intrinsic or extrinsic.
When sportspeople perform or learn and develop new skills, they have to process information. The information processing model is one method that can be used to consider how learning takes place. The model contains four parts that are linked together in a 'learning loop'.
Input is the information that is received from the senses. At the cognitive (early) stages, this will overload the decision-making process. As the learner becomes more skilled they selectively attend the correct cues and information.
Decision-making interprets the input using its short and long-term memory and decides what, when, where and how the learner responds.
Output is the action or actions that respond to the situation.
Feedback will indicate whether or not the response was correct and successful.