The Constraints Collective #38 Mike Maloney, skill acquisition specialist
Mar 11, 2025
Mike Maloney, a skill acquisition specialist with a PhD, shares his insights from working within Australia's National Institute Network. He discusses the evolution of coaching, emphasizing the blend of scientific research with hands-on experience in sports like cricket and long jump. Maloney also highlights the role of technology in shaping athletic techniques and stresses the importance of empathy in coach-athlete relationships. Additionally, he reflects on the impact of organized sports on children's free play, advocating for a balance in skill training while fostering autonomy.
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Cones to Improve Batting Technique
- Mike Maloney tried using cones to force cricket batters to get their feet out beyond the crease to handle spin bowling better.
- This constraint-focused drill encouraged exploration far more effectively than verbal instructions alone.
Visual Cues Guide Long Jumpers
- Information like board markers plays a crucial role in gait regulation for long jumpers.
- Presence of visual cues allows long jumpers to start steering run-up earlier, preserving momentum.
Treat Run-Up As Nested Skill
- See the run-up as a key, nested skill closely linked to what follows.
- Design training to maintain linkage between run-up dynamics and the skill execution at the end.