Guest Tim Buszard discusses scaling sports equipment for kids, working memory capacity in coaching, contextual interference in sports training, and his skill acquisition blog on the Perception & Action Podcast.
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Quick takeaways
Adapting sports equipment for kids improves skill acquisition, emphasizing the importance of scaled gear.
Working memory capacity influences coaching outcomes, with high capacity individuals showing strategic advantages during skill practice.
Deep dives
Tim Bazar's Journey into Sports Science and Skill Acquisition Research
Tim Bazar shares his journey from initially pursuing a career in professional cricket to finding his passion in sports science and skill acquisition research. Starting with his undergraduate studies and progressing to his Ph.D., Tim's interest was sparked by key mentors like Justin Kemp and supervisors at Victoria University, guiding him towards focusing on decision-making in football and ultimately skill acquisition in tennis.
The Creation of Skill Acquisition Research Blog
Motivated by the lack of easily accessible information on skill acquisition research for coaches, Tim Bazar launched the Skill Acquisition Research blog. Through this platform, he summarizes studies aimed at providing coaches with valuable insights from research, aiding in decision-making and skill application. Additionally, Tim's personal affinity for writing and the desire to enhance his skills drove the creation and development of the blog.
Impact of Scaling Sports Equipment for Children
Tim Bazar's research on scaling sports equipment for children focused on assessing the benefits of modified equipment in skill acquisition, particularly in tennis. By providing children with appropriately scaled equipment such as smaller rackets and softer balls, significant improvements in skill performance were observed, emphasizing the importance of adapting equipment to enhance children's motor skills.
Exploring Working Memory Capacity in Skill Acquisition
Tim Bazar's investigation into working memory capacity's role in implementing coaching instructions revealed valuable insights. By studying how children with different working memory capacities adapted to various equipment modifications during skill practice, distinct learning patterns emerged. High working memory capacity individuals showed enhanced strategic selection, while lower capacity individuals exhibited performance declines, shedding light on the impact of working memory in skill acquisition.
A discussion with Tim Buszard, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Institute of Sport, Exercise & Active Living (ISEAL) & Tennis Australia. Topics include scaling sports equipment appropriately for kids, working memory capacity (WMC) and its role in implementing coaching instructions, whether contextual interference has value outside the lab, and Tim’s skill acquisition blog.