In this episode we discuss an article from The Athletic entitled “What is the CLA? Inside the revolutionary coaching method quietly fuelling the world’s best athletes.”
We reflect on the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA) in coaching challenging the notion that it’s a “revolution,” since the foundational work by Carl Newell is nearly 40 years old.
The discussion explores:
- How CLA is rooted in motor learning and ecological dynamics.
- The contrast between individualistic coaching cultures (like in the U.S.) and collective, environment-centered approaches advocated by CLA.
- How traditional practices (e.g., rigid playbooks) can hinder athlete development by limiting adaptability and creativity.
- The importance of coaches framing learning intentions skilfully, shaping environments that invite effective exploration and self-organisation rather than prescribing fixed solutions.
Enjoy!
Link to the article: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6665943/2025/09/29/sports-training-cla-coaching-wembanyana-ohtani/?source=user_shared_article
