
The Power Company Climbing Podcast
EXPERT | Rob Gray on The Gap Between Sports Science Researchers and Coaches (Part 1)
Feb 15, 2024
Rob Gray, an associate professor and skill acquisition specialist at Arizona State University, dives deep into the disconnect between sports science researchers and coaches. He discusses the challenges of translating complex research into practical coaching insights, emphasizing the need for clearer communication and accessibility in publications. Gray also explores the importance of individual case studies for optimizing athlete performance and the delicate balance between anecdotal evidence and empirical research in coaching. This engaging conversation sets the stage for more insights in the next installment.
46:39
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Quick takeaways
- Rob Gray emphasizes the need for improved communication between sports science researchers and coaches to bridge the understanding gap in applying research findings.
- The dual importance of acknowledging both empirical research and anecdotal coaching experiences is crucial in developing effective training strategies for athletes.
Deep dives
The Gap Between Research and Practice
Coaches often invest minimal time in reading academic research, with estimates suggesting only around 2% of their learning is derived from journal articles. This limited engagement creates a significant gap between researchers and practitioners, leading to challenges in applying research findings to coaching. Rob Gray highlights six barriers contributing to this disconnect, including accessibility of research, difficulty in understanding complex language, and the often narrow focus of studies on specific conditions. This recognition of challenges suggests a need for better communication and effective dissemination of research catered specifically to the needs of coaches.
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