EP5: What is The Constraints-Led Approach (CLA)?

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Oct 10, 2023

Explore the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA) in basketball and its underlying theory of ecological dynamics. Debunk misconceptions surrounding the CLA and learn how it can be used as a methodology in any organizational field. Understand the three categories of constraints and how they shape movements on the court. Discover practical examples of implementing the CLA with players of all levels. Find out how the CLA can be applied in other fields and how it can lead to different skills emerging. Gain insight into the importance of variability and skill acquisition in basketball.

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INSIGHT

CLA and Ecological Dynamics

The Constraints-Led Approach (CLA) is rooted in ecological dynamics, a skill acquisition theory.
This theory explains how humans move and interact within their environment, impacting basketball players and teams.

INSIGHT

Constraints Shape Movement

Constraints are not simply limiting factors, but shape movement possibilities.
Newell's model categorizes constraints as individual, task, and environmental, constantly interacting.

ANECDOTE

Brazilian Football Example

Brazilian football demonstrates the impact of socio-cultural constraints on skill development.
Poverty and street football in Brazil foster creativity, deception, and trickery, valued skills.

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In this episode, Alex Sarama explores the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA) in basketball, in addition to its underlying theory of ecological dynamics. He debunks many misconceptions surrounding the CLA within the basketball world, highlighting how the CLA is a wide-ranging framework which not only makes sense of how skills emerge, but also how it can be used as a methodology in any organizational field.

Alex explains the three categories of constraint according to Newell’s Constraints Model (1986): individual, task, and environment, discussing how they interact to shape every movement we see on the court. He provides practical examples of how to implement the CLA with players of all levels, from beginners to the NBA and WNBA.

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Key Takeaways

1:13 - "The CLA goes far deeper than solely being viewed as a coaching methodology that can be used in our practices."

4:29 - "This starts with looking at the idea of what a constraint is. I want to make it very clear that constraints are not merely limiting or punishing factors."

11:00 - "The whole essence of the CLA is that as coaches we can manipulate constraints to lead to different skills emerging."

17:13 - The CLA in other fields, e.g. athletic performance

22:37 - “The ability to be successful in the game is not about knowing, but about doing.”

38:34 -"How the CLA can be applied at different levels of basketball, from beginners to youth and collegiate/professional teams."

Links

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