The Perception & Action Podcast 463 – Evidence Supporting the Ecological Approach to Skill Development
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Sep 19, 2023 Explore the evidence and principles of the ecological approach to skill development in athletes. Challenge common beliefs and emphasize the importance of realistic and unpredictable conditions for effective skill development. Compare traditional pedagogy with constraints and differential learning, highlighting the benefits of self-organization. Discuss the value of swing variability in baseball and how the ecological approach can enhance performance through guided self-organization and clear feedback.
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Skill Is A Relationship With The Environment
- Skill emerges from athlete-environment symmetry, not stored mental programs.
- Skillful performance depends on information–movement coupling and perceiving affordances.
Prefer Small-Sided Games Over Isolated Drills
- Use small-sided, constraints-led practice instead of isolating fundamentals by default.
- Small-sided games produce at least equal technical gains and likely superior game decision-making.
Value Per Rep Beats Total Rep Count
- Game-like reps are fewer but far more valuable per rep than isolated drills.
- Measure return-on-investment: small-sided practice doubled improvement per pass in the cited study.