#31 Martyn and Ian discuss 'Reframing the learning and performance relationship'
Jan 15, 2025
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Delve into the dynamic relationship between learning and performance in sports. Discover how these processes work together, rather than separately. Explore the importance of adaptability in skills, illustrated with examples from golf and cricket. The discussion emphasizes the significance of creating practice environments that mirror real game situations. Additionally, learn about innovative youth football formats aimed at enhancing participation. A mix of research and real-world applications makes for a compelling conversation.
59:32
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Quick takeaways
Learning and performing in high-performance sports should be viewed as a symbiotic process, enhancing skill development through continuous adaptation and execution.
Effective practice design must mirror real-game dynamics to foster relevant learning experiences and enhance athletes' problem-solving skills in competitive scenarios.
Deep dives
Reframing Learning and Performing
The relationship between learning and performing in high-performance sports has been traditionally viewed as separate processes, with distinct phases for learning and for execution. However, a more integrated approach suggests that learning can occur concurrently with performance. This shift challenges the cognitive models that require removing performance variables to solely focus on learning, as real-world performance is laden with factors like anxiety and motivation. By emphasizing a synergetic relationship, athletes can better adapt and evolve their skills in dynamic environments, highlighting that effective performance inherently involves ongoing learning.
Importance of Contextual Learning
The ecological dynamics approach advocates for an understanding of learning that emphasizes the unique context of each performance situation, suggesting that every execution is inherently different. Dynamic factors such as physical state, opponent variation, and environmental conditions continuously alter the learning landscape for athletes. These variations lead to the exploration of different strategies rather than relying on a single model for execution, which can be detrimental to skill development. This perspective fosters a deeper understanding of the necessity for adaptive learning processes that reflect the complexity of real-life situations.
Designing Effective Practices
Effective practice design must replicate the conditions of actual game scenarios to facilitate relevant learning opportunities. Small-sided games, while beneficial, can fall short if not constructed to mirror real game dynamics; the design must ensure that the key actions and tactical cues mirror competitive play. Misleading or overly simplified practice setups can create a false sense of confidence and limit skill transferability to actual performance conditions. Therefore, coaches should prioritize representative practices that foster problem-solving, allowing athletes to navigate the complexities inherent in dynamic sports environments.
Exploration vs. Performance
Successful athletes often exhibit the ability to balance exploration with performance, adapting their tactics based on environmental cues and performance demands. This dynamic interplay is observed in sports like cricket and rock climbing, where athletes must analyze and respond to rapidly changing scenarios. For instance, in cricket, bowlers must evaluate field conditions and opponent strategies while learning to bowl effectively, which requires both exploratory and performative actions. Cultivating this ability to explore and adapt is crucial for developing athletes capable of navigating the unpredictable challenges they face during competition.
In this episode with discuss learning and performing in sport. For too long, learning and performing have been viewed as separate processes—train, then apply.
But is that truly how we skilfully engage in competitive situations?
In this episode we suggest learning and performing are a symbiotic process. If you’re not learning while performing or performing while learning, are you truly progressing?
We discuss this theme from a motor learning and skill adaptation perspective and explore how to create environments that balance exploration (learning) and execution (performing).
This approach can develop problem solvers who can adapt, attune, and thrive under real-world conditions.
Papers discuss in the episode.
Learning and performing: What can theory offer high performance sports practitioners? https://socibracom.com/bjmb/index.php/bjmb/article/view/280
An ecological dynamics approach to motor learning in practice: Reframing the learning and performing relationship in high performance sport https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667239122000089
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