Steffan Jones Episode 37 " Motor Learning: Pacelab Skill Stability Paradigm, The role of fatigue, and Variability"

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 In this episode I sat down with fast bowling and motor learning specialist Steffan Jones. Steffan has a brilliant mind and many unique concepts that are extremely applicable for building motor skills from the ground up. We begin our conversation by discussing Steffan's Pacelab limited Skill stability paradigm, which is a methodology that applies the stages of learning to building motor skills and ultimately helps to move athletes towards desired elements of motor output or performance. Steffan utilizes certain FAPs ( functional Anchor points) which are key points in fast bowling delivery to help inform and progress athletes. The paradigm begins static before moving to dynamic means and eventually ballistic elements, this sets athletes up for success because it helps athletes develop feel and understanding of the given shapes and positions that are highly relevant for their sporting event. Steffan discusses how isometrics are a cornerstone of his programming methodology, and he discusses how he utilizes them to best advance athletes through both yielding and overcoming methodologies. 

How do we validate training? If your training is not verified and validated how can we truly say that what we are doing is working? Steffan shares his main KPI is Ball velocity, which makes a ton of sense, as they are training to throw as hard as possible in sports such as cricket and baseball. We discuss the best time to begin focusing on more specific methods for youth athletes. There are certain times within human development where the body is primed to get faster and learn new skills. Steffan shares how that philosophy leads him to drive for speed before strength always. Fatigue can be quote a polarizing topic, many of the things I have seen from Pacelab speak against mindless. Steffan discusses how to properly monitor fatigue and how he uses it to inform his programming choices for a given weekly arrangement of training. Steffan shares the characteristics of the three types of bowling sessions ( Pinnacle, Prime, and subprime) he shares the drops he follows and the rationale for programming choices of each. 

We end the conversation by talking about the importance of variance and this is where Steffan is able to share how dynamic systems theory and ecological dynamics influence his training preferences. The drills should provide constraints that will allow for the self organization of athletes to occur. This allows for more natural formats of movement to occur where individual forms of style are afforded, the last thing you want is overly technical robots that can't respond to the demands of competition.

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