Ed Coughlan, senior lecturer at Munster Institute of Technology, discusses topics such as self-belief and confidence in skill acquisition, exploring new techniques and action capability, the balance of practice in golf, the limitations of motor control devices, attention and intention in skill acquisition, challenges and cultural differences in rugby, and the benefits of sharing coaching knowledge.
Engaging in reflective practice can help improve putting performance by analyzing each putt and identifying areas for improvement.
Prioritizing the process over the outcome during putting can lead to a better understanding of technique and alignment for consistent improvement.
Gradually transitioning away from training aids in putting practice allows for the development of personal intuition and sensory awareness for better technique assessment.
Deep dives
Engaging in Reflective Practice
To help improve his putting, Mr. Carter would benefit from engaging in reflective practice. By hitting putts and reflecting on each one, he can start to develop a deeper understanding of his putting technique and tendencies. Reflective practice involves analyzing each putt, considering factors such as aim, distance, and stroke, and identifying patterns or areas for improvement. This process encourages Mr. Carter to be more aware of his actions and their outcomes, enabling him to fine-tune his intuition and make more informed decisions while putting.
Prioritizing Process Over Outcome
Rather than solely focusing on whether the putt went in or not, Mr. Carter should prioritize his process over the outcome. By paying attention to his technique, alignment, and feel during each putt, he can develop a better understanding of what works for him and what doesn't. This shift in focus allows him to learn from every putt, whether it's a make or a miss, and make necessary adjustments to improve his putting consistency.
Weaning Off Devices
If Mr. Carter has been using devices such as mirrors, strings, or gates on the practice green, it's essential to gradually wean himself off of them. While these tools can initially provide feedback and awareness, they should not become a crutch or a constant presence in his practice. Instead, he should focus on developing his own intuition, relying on his senses and feel to assess and improve his putting technique.
Understanding the Culture of Golf
To further enhance his practice, Mr. Carter should also consider the culture of golf and how it may influence his approach to the game. This involves questioning traditional beliefs and practices and embracing alternative perspectives. By expanding his awareness of the possibilities and experimenting with different methods during practice, he can find a unique approach that works best for him.
Adapting in Sports Environments
The podcast discusses the importance of adaptability in sports environments. It emphasizes how being adaptable allows athletes to perform better in different conditions and situations. The speaker gives examples of how players need to adapt to different playing surfaces, referees, and opponents. It also highlights the willingness to share knowledge and experiences among coaches in different sports as a factor in enhancing adaptability.
The Impact of Attention and Self-Organization
The podcast explores the impact of attention and self-organization on athletic performance. The speaker emphasizes that athletes need to have their attention focused on the present moment and the task at hand, rather than getting distracted by thoughts about their previous performance or external factors. It discusses how self-organization plays a crucial role in intuitive decision-making and skill execution. The speaker gives examples of how redirecting attention and providing different alternatives to athletes can help them tap into their intuitive self-organization capabilities and improve their performance.
My guest this week is Ed Coughlan who is a senior lecturer at Munster Institute of Technology and is a wealth of knowledge in the space of Skill Acquisition.
I love talking to Ed, he is such a great thinker and so generous with his time. We cover all sorts of topics here from the mindset of learners right through to trying to fix my dads putting!
If you enjoy the pod it would be great if you would share it with your mates.
