APPLYING THE CLA - Motor Learning for Coaches (1 of 2)
Oct 24, 2024
auto_awesome
Andy Bass, a mental skills coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates, shares his insights on the psychological aspects of sports. He discusses overcoming adversity, emphasizing resilience and adaptability amidst challenges. Bass explores the constraints-led approach in motor learning, advocating for flexible training that fosters exploration. He also highlights the significance of character over fleeting confidence in athletes' development. Finally, he delves into strategies for utilizing failure as a learning opportunity, promoting a growth mindset through effective feedback.
Acknowledging team struggles fosters resilience and accountability, ultimately strengthening team culture during challenging times.
The constraints-led approach encourages athletes to learn through adaptation, enhancing decision-making skills in real-game situations.
Deep dives
Embracing Challenges in Coaching
Coaches often face the reality of their team's struggles, which can be difficult but ultimately beneficial for growth. For example, a coach detailed their team’s rocky start, winning only one out of eleven non-conference matches. Acknowledging the lack of skill was crucial, as the team had faced top-tier opponents to better prepare for potential challenges in future tournaments. This honesty about their limitations fostered a culture of resilience and accountability among the players, leading to an improved performance in subsequent games.
The Role of Culture in Team Dynamics
The discussion emphasized how a strong team culture becomes more apparent in times of struggle. When faced with a significant downturn, the team had the opportunity to reveal its character, leading to a united response rather than discord. Coaches reflected on the importance of maintaining a culture that embraces acknowledgment of weaknesses, highlighting that resilience can turn adversity into strength. The transformation from a struggling team to one that starts winning again is a testament to the deeply ingrained supportive culture cultivated over time.
Understanding Skill Acquisition Through Constraints
The podcast explored the constraints-led approach to skill acquisition, which encourages players to learn by doing rather than receiving direct instruction. This method allows athletes to solve problems through adaptation to changing conditions, thus enhancing their decision-making skills. For instance, drills that incorporate varying constraints force players to think critically about their movements rather than relying on scripted actions. This way, players learn the game more holistically, as they develop problem-solving skills relevant to real-game situations.
Navigating Mental Barriers in Performance
Coaches discussed the impact of mental barriers, such as confidence fluctuations experienced by high-level athletes. It was emphasized that confidence is transient and can affect performance unpredictably, irrespective of the athlete's skill level. By reframing the conversation around failure and learning, coaches can help athletes understand that struggling is part of personal growth. Ultimately, fostering a positive mindset towards failure can improve learning outcomes and help athletes engage more effectively with their training.