

The Perception & Action Podcast
Rob Gray
Exploration of how psychological research can be applied to improving performance, accelerating skill acquisition and designing new technologies in sports and other high performance domains. Hosted by Rob Gray, professor of Human Systems Engineering at Arizona State University, the podcast will review basic concepts and discuss the latest research in these areas.
Episodes
Mentioned books

6 snips
Feb 6, 2018 • 23min
95 – The Legacy of Nikolai Bernstein III: "Repetition without Repetition" & Beyond
Explore how Bernstein’s concept of 'repetition without repetition' transformed motor learning by emphasizing goal-centric practice. Discover how skill acquisition is framed as problem-solving rather than rigid formulas. Learn why movements remain consistent amidst variability and how coordinative structures streamline motor control. Dive into the idea of motor abundance, showcasing its adaptive advantages, and understand the Uncontrolled Manifold Hypothesis that differentiates beneficial variability. Coaches gain insights on crafting design problems to enhance learning effectively.

9 snips
Jan 30, 2018 • 25min
94 – The Legacy of Nikolai Bernstein II: Skill Acquisition through Free(z)ing Degrees of Freedom
Explore the fascinating theory of freezing and freeing degrees of freedom in skill acquisition. Delve into Bernstein's three-stage learning model, illustrated with relatable examples like hammering and baseball swings. Discover empirical tests in sports coaching that reveal when to allow freezing and the importance of promoting freeing for better performance. This intriguing discussion brings practical insights for anyone looking to improve motor skills and enhance learning in sports.

16 snips
Jan 23, 2018 • 21min
93 – The Legacy of Nikolai Bernstein I: Problems in Movement Coordination
Explore the fascinating world of motor control through the lens of Nikolai Bernstein's theories. Learn about the challenges posed by context-conditioned variability and how it impacts movement. Dive into the intricacies of the degrees-of-freedom problem and discover how effective coaching can harness both compensation and non-muscular forces for skill development. This discussion unveils Bernstein's enduring legacy and offers insights for those interested in mastering movement and coaching.

Jan 16, 2018 • 23min
92 – Differential Learning
A look at the Differential Learning approach to skill acquisition. Is maximizing movement variability by preventing repetition and correction the optimal way to design practice? How does this differ from the Constraints-Led Approach? Articles The Nonlinear Nature of Learning - A Differential Learning Approach Time scales of adaptive behavior and motor learning in the presence of stochastic perturbations Does noise provide a basis for the unification of motor learning theories? A new method to learn to start in speed skating: A differencial learning approach A quantitative dynamical systems approach to differential learning: self-organization principle and order parameter equations More information: http://perceptionaction.com/ My Research Gate Page (pdfs of my articles) My ASU Web page Podcast Facebook page (videos, pics, etc) Subscribe in iOS/Apple Subscribe in Anroid/Google Credits: The Flamin' Groovies - Shake Some Action Mark Lanegan - Saint Louis Elegy via freemusicarchive.org and jamendo.com

Jan 9, 2018 • 35min
91 – Variability of Practice Revisited
A look at some recent research examining contextual interference, blocked vs random and variable vs constant practice. How should coaches put these concepts into practice? Articles Quantifying Contextual Interference and Its Effect on Skill Transfer in Skilled Youth Tennis Players Effects of practice schedule and task specificity on the adaptive process of motor learning Exploring the applicability of the contextual interference effect in sports practice Serial practice impairs motor skill consolidation Mechanisms within the Parietal Cortex Correlate with the Benefits of Random Practice in Motor Adaptation Practicing with gradual increases in contextual interference enhances visuomotor learning Random Versus Blocked Practice to Enhance Mental Representation in Golf Putting More information: http://perceptionaction.com/ My Research Gate Page (pdfs of my articles) My ASU Web page Podcast Facebook page (videos, pics, etc) Subscribe in iOS/Apple Subscribe in Anroid/Google Credits: The Flamin' Groovies - Shake Some Action Mark Lanegan - Saint Louis Elegy via freemusicarchive.org and jamendo.com

Dec 12, 2017 • 21min
90 – Interview with Leah Robinson, Michigan, Fundamental Movement Skills
A discussion with Leah Robinson, Associate Professor of Movement Science from the University of Michigan. Topics include the importance of fundamental movement skills, how these skills should be measured, perceived motor competence and interventions for promoting movement in young children. More information about my guest: http://www.kines.umich.edu/directory/faculty/leah-robinson http://www.cmahlab.com/ http://twitter.com/LERobinsonPhD More information: http://perceptionaction.com/ My Research Gate Page (pdfs of my articles) My ASU Web page Podcast Facebook page (videos, pics, etc) Twitter: @Shakeywaits Email: robgray@asu.edu Credits: The Flamin' Groovies - Shake Some Action Lo Fi is Hi Fi - I'm on a Talk Show Mark Lanegan - Saint Louis Elegy via freemusicarchive.org

14 snips
Dec 5, 2017 • 34min
89 – The Constraints-Led Approach to Coaching III: Evaluating its Effectiveness
Exploring the effectiveness of the Constraints-Led Approach in coaching, focusing on manipulating task constraints for improved performance. Delving into implicit and explicit learning routes in skill acquisition within ecological dynamics. Discussing the impact of constraints manipulation on cognitive load and skill transfer. Highlighting the benefits of small-sided games and adaptive training systems in enhancing player performance. Exploring the application of CLA in baseball batting for improved outcomes.

Nov 28, 2017 • 27min
88 – The Constraints-Led Approach to Coaching II: Dynamics & Representative Design
This podcast explores the Constraints-Led Approach to Coaching, discussing principles such as representative design, perception-action loop, and ecological dynamics. It highlights the emergence of coordination through self-organization and the organization of neuromuscular skeletal components. The implications of ecological dynamics models for skill acquisition and practice design are also explored, emphasizing the importance of interaction with the environment and representative design. Retention of functional coupling and action fidelity, as well as developing functional movement patterns in sports, are discussed as key factors in enhancing performance.

15 snips
Nov 21, 2017 • 22min
87 – The Constraints-Led Approach to Coaching I: What are Constraints?
The podcast explores the Constraints-Led Approach in coaching, debunking misconceptions and emphasizing the importance of understanding constraints. It delves into how constraints shape movement solutions in sports like field hockey and football, highlighting the interplay between individual, task, and environmental constraints for optimal performance.

Nov 14, 2017 • 37min
86 – Interview with Brian McCormick, Talent Development & Practice Design in Basketball
A discussion with Brian McCormick, Head basketball coach at Broward College in Florida. Topics include current problems with the way we identify and develop talent, coaching fake fundamentals, and designing practice to increase game intelligence and awareness. More information about my guest: https://learntocoachbasketball.com/ https://twitter.com/brianmccormick https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmccormick/ More information: http://perceptionaction.com/ My Research Gate Page (pdfs of my articles) My ASU Web page Podcast Facebook page (videos, pics, etc) Twitter: @Shakeywaits Email: robgray@asu.edu Credits: The Flamin' Groovies - Shake Some Action Lo Fi is Hi Fi - I'm on a Talk Show Mark Lanegan - Saint Louis Elegy via freemusicarchive.org


