The Talent Equation Podcast

"You can take a pick and mix approach to theory - but not if you want to be evidence based" - A conversation with the Constraints Collective

Oct 7, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Keith Davids, a movement scientist and pioneer of ecological dynamics, joins Ian Renshaw, a researcher advocating for constraints-led coaching. They dive into the flaws of traditional coaching models and the importance of practical, context-driven education. Their discussion highlights the deep divide between cognitive and ecological approaches, urging coach developers to embrace diverse learning paradigms. They also explore how cultural contexts shape coaching and advocate for ongoing professional development tailored to real-world experiences.
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INSIGHT

Coach Education Must Be Contextual

  • Coach education is shifting from single-course, knowledge-transfer models toward context-aware, constraints-led designs.
  • Systems must recognise coaches' contexts, participants, and roles when designing learning pathways.
ANECDOTE

From Policy To Future Coach

  • Stuart moved from Sport England into consultancy and will launch Future Coach to support context-aware coach development.
  • He aims to help organisations replace rigid qualifications with responsive, context-led learning systems.
INSIGHT

The Knowing–Doing Gap In Coach Ed

  • Traditional coach education mirrors formal schooling and creates a big knowing-doing gap for practitioners.
  • Simply delivering knowledge doesn't equip coaches to translate theory into practical, contextual action.
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