The Principles of Performance Podcast 159 – Perception, Movement and Skill with Rob Gray
Oct 9, 2025
Rob Gray, a distinguished professor at Arizona State University and expert in perceptual-motor control, dives into the science of skill acquisition. He emphasizes the importance of ecological coaching, advocating for adaptable solutions over rigid techniques. Gray discusses avoiding isolated drills, the necessity of game-like practices, and how to balance training with the 70% rule for optimal learning. He also highlights the significance of variability in practice, connecting physical capacity to on-field performance, and the cognitive aspects of rapid visual-perceptual decision-making in high-pressure situations.
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Teach Problem Solving In Game Context
- Ecological coaching teaches athletes to solve movement problems within the full game environment instead of following one “correct” technique.
- Coaches shift from instructors to designers who create representative, adaptable practice problems.
Keep Practice Game‑Like
- Avoid isolating skills out of context; keep practice game-like and preserve key perceptual information.
- Use small-sided games or adjusted defenders to simplify while maintaining realistic cues.
Fix Capacity In Gym Then Reinstate Skill
- When action capacity (strength, flexibility) limits performance, train those capacities separately in the gym.
- Return to skill practice to integrate new capacity into sport-specific movement solutions.
