Great offensive line coaches don\u2019t just correct mistakes\u2014they teach players to self-correct. In today\u2019s fast-paced, rep-limited football practices, the ability to recognize mistakes in real time and make adjustments is a superpower for any athlete. That\u2019s where the power of feedback comes in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At McKendree University, offensive line coach and co-offensive coordinator Nick Holton has built a development system that relies on more than just physical reps. He teaches his players to feel what went wrong, think critically about the correction, and apply it immediately\u2014on their own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m going to ask them questions\u2014did you feel that first step? Where did you feel it land?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(11:03)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n This feedback approach goes beyond fixing mistakes \u2014 it develops players who think for themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most coaches focus on correcting errors. Holton takes a different route. Instead of telling athletes what went wrong, he asks them to reflect on their decisions and execution. This process helps players see the game more clearly, make quicker adjustments, and grow their football IQ every rep. He believes in coaching the action\u2014not the player\u2014and helping them develop internal awareness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou\u2019re not yelling at them. I\u2019m coaching the action, not the person… being able to get them to self-correct.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n (13:26)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n This strategy encourages ownership and accelerates learning. When players understand what good technique feels like, they can correct mistakes in real time, even without coach intervention. That becomes vital on game day\u2014when the sideline can\u2019t fix a mistimed step or missed leverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coach Holton takes this feedback-based model further by assigning each player a \u201c1% goal\u201d every day during camp or spring ball. These goals are laser-focused on one small technical detail\u2014like a perfect first step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThey may miss every single block, but if they\u2019re focused on that first step… well now the next day, hey, my second step.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n (11:03)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Over 15 practices, that\u2019s a 15% improvement in targeted areas. These micro-goals help players internalize progress and stay locked into their development, one rep at a time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Football is a game of adjustments. The best linemen don\u2019t need to be reminded to fix the same mistake twice. Through the power of feedback<\/strong>, Holton builds players who can self-assess, self-adjust, and self-improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The approach doesn’t just accelerate development. It deepens trust between coach and player. It ensures that practice time\u2014especially individual periods\u2014isn’t just about volume, but value. And it reinforces the connection between drills and performance, helping players see why the little things matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Final Word for Coaches<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ask players to describe what they felt in the moment. Push them to think through their choices. With steady reps and purposeful coaching, they\u2019ll start making adjustments on their own. When that shift happens, practice turns into true learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Related:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Focus to Rise Above the Pressure in the Postseason<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Art of Practice- The Blueprint for Efficient Practice- Noel Dean, Head Coach, Chelsea HS (MI)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nEmpowering Athletes to Think on the Field<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Micro-Goals That Deliver Macro Results<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Why the Power of Feedback Matters<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
See our sponsor GoRout in action<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n