What can you learn from feedback given by a drone racing coach?

1 The benefits of feedback

Feedback is essential for learning and improving in any skill, especially in drone racing. Feedback can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, correct your errors, refine your techniques, and set realistic goals. A drone racing coach can provide you with feedback based on their experience, knowledge, and observation of your flying. They can also help you develop a growth mindset, which means embracing challenges, learning from mistakes, and seeking opportunities to improve.

2 The types of feedback

Feedback can be divided into two main types: formative and summative. Formative feedback is given during or immediately after your practice or race, and it focuses on the process and the details of your flying. It can help you adjust your actions, fix your problems, and reinforce your good habits. Summative feedback is given at the end of a session or a period of time, and it focuses on the outcome and the overall performance of your flying. It can help you evaluate your progress, celebrate your achievements, and plan your next steps.

3 The sources of feedback

Feedback can come from different sources, such as yourself, your coach, your peers, or your data. Self-feedback is when you reflect on your own flying and assess your performance based on your goals and standards. It can help you develop self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-confidence. Coach feedback is when your coach gives you feedback based on their observation and analysis of your flying. It can help you gain new perspectives, learn new skills, and receive support and guidance. Peer feedback is when you get feedback from other drone racers who share your interest and level of skill. It can help you build rapport, exchange ideas, and learn from each other. Data feedback is when you use data from your drone, your goggles, or your software to measure and monitor your flying. It can help you track your speed, accuracy, efficiency, and consistency.

4 The methods of feedback

Feedback can be delivered in different ways, such as verbally, visually, or written. Verbal feedback is when you hear feedback from your coach or your peers through spoken words. It can be immediate, direct, and personal, but it can also be easily forgotten or misunderstood. Visual feedback is when you see feedback from your coach, your peers, or your data through images, videos, graphs, or charts. It can be clear, concrete, and memorable, but it can also be overwhelming or distracting. Written feedback is when you read feedback from your coach, your peers, or your data through text, notes, or reports. It can be detailed, structured, and accessible, but it can also be delayed or impersonal.

5 The qualities of feedback

Feedback can vary in quality depending on how it is given and received. Effective feedback should be specific, timely, actionable, and constructive. Specific feedback is when you get feedback that is focused, relevant, and clear. It can help you understand what you did well and what you need to improve. Timely feedback is when you get feedback that is given soon after your practice or race. It can help you remember what you did and apply what you learned. Actionable feedback is when you get feedback that is practical, realistic, and achievable. It can help you know what to do and how to do it. Constructive feedback is when you get feedback that is positive, respectful, and supportive. It can help you feel motivated, encouraged, and confident.

6 The use of feedback

Feedback is only useful if you use it to improve your flying. To make the most of feedback, you need to listen, understand, accept, and act on it. Listen to feedback with an open mind and a curious attitude. Don't interrupt, argue, or defend yourself. Ask questions if you need clarification or examples. Understand feedback with a critical and analytical thinking. Don't take it personally or emotionally. Compare it with your own self-feedback and data feedback. Accept feedback with a humble and grateful manner. Don't ignore, reject, or dismiss it. Thank your coach or your peers for their feedback and acknowledge their effort and intention. Act on feedback with a proactive and consistent behavior. Don't procrastinate, forget, or repeat your mistakes. Make a plan to implement the feedback and follow it through. Monitor your results and seek more feedback.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?