The Perception & Action Podcast 553 – Motor Signatures & Action Types, Bertrand Théraulaz and Prashant Patel
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Nov 4, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Bertrand Théraulaz, a researcher and former volleyball coach, and Prashant Patel, an applied practitioner in cricket, explore the concept of Motor Signatures. They delve into how understanding athletes' natural movement preferences can enhance coaching methods. Topics include the integration of psychological insights with movement analysis, the impact of context on motor expression, and practical applications in sports like cricket. The duo also shares the importance of respecting individual profiles for improved performance and ethical coaching.
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Movement Preferences Are Individualized
- People have stable, natural movement preferences that differ widely and resist one-size-fits-all coaching.
- Early observation of athletes showed some could not perform prescribed techniques despite intent, revealing intrinsic patterns.
Coach By Aligning With Natural Movement
- Respect and work with an athlete's natural movement expression instead of imposing a foreign model.
- Help athletes build internal sensorimotor references that sustain performance under changing constraints.
Profiles Are Dynamic, Not Fixed
- Each person has multiple motor resources rather than a single fixed style, and context determines which appears.
- Forcing athletes into one preferred system handicaps adaptability and performance under stress.
