John Mayer on Differential Learning, Creating "Anti-Fragile" Players, and Leaning into Mindfulness {LMU Beach Volleyball}
May 17, 2024
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Head Coach of LMU Beach Volleyball, John Mayer, discusses differential learning, 'anti-fragile' players, and mindfulness. Topics include implicit learning theories, environmental adaptation, skill development through unique techniques, daily mindfulness practices, and embracing continuous growth in coaching.
Fostering adaptability through creating anti-fragile players reduces reliance on coaches.
Coach Mayer's shift to ecological dynamics emphasizes implicit learning for innovative player development.
Combining traditional drills with exploratory labs in practice sessions promotes adaptive problem-solving skills.
Deep dives
Building Anti-Fragile Players
Creating anti-fragile players is crucial in reducing reliance on the coach and fostering adaptability. Implicit learning encourages players to develop problem-solving skills under stress, promoting resilience beyond the sports season.
Transitioning to Ecological Dynamics in Coaching
Coach Mayer's journey into adopting ecological dynamics highlights the shift from explicit to implicit learning methods. By exploring differential learning and creating anti-fragile players, the focus moves towards adaptable and innovative player development.
Embracing Constraints in Practice
Incorporating constraints in practice sessions like differential learning challenges players to explore new skills and problem-solve in varied scenarios. By mixing traditional drills with exploratory labs and game-like situations, players adapt to diverse challenges effectively.
Mindfulness and Visualization Techniques
Implementing mindfulness and visualization practices before training aids in player focus and presence. Guided gratitude sessions and breathing exercises help build mental resilience and sharpen individual and team skills during practice.
Implementing Mindfulness in Athlete Training
Athletes are guided through mindfulness exercises that require deep focus for five minutes. Practicing mindfulness helps players maintain focus and leave personal stressors behind, enabling them to engage fully in training sessions. The benefits extend to building self-awareness and using mindfulness as a lifelong tool for ongoing mental training.
Challenges in Teaching Performance Skills
Coaches face difficulties in teaching performance skills, particularly in scenarios involving pressure, failure, and success. Managing player performance after success is highlighted as a challenge, as complacency can hinder progress. Finding the right balance between success and failure is crucial, with mindfulness and differential learning approaches cited as valuable tools in addressing performance challenges.
Slappin' Glass sits down this week with the Head Coach of LMU Beach Volleyball, John Mayer! Coach Mayer has become one of the best coaches in the sport, and risen the level of LMU Volleyball to compete at the highest of levels. In this conversation the trio dive into differential learning, "lab work", and Coach Mayer's deep dive into Ecological Dynamics, and discusses creating "anti-fragile" players and maintaining high performance after success during the always fun "Start, Sub, or Sit?!"
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