
The Perception & Action Podcast
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.
Latest episodes

May 28, 2024 • 1h 11min
494 – Preventing Arm Injuries in Baseball Pitchers by Harnessing Variability In Training (JC 39)
Randy Sullivan & Alan Jaeger discuss preventing arm injuries in baseball pitchers by harnessing training variability. They explore techniques like long toss, varied training methods, and the controversy of using weighted balls. Emphasizing the importance of balancing workload and gradually increasing intensity to enhance performance and reduce injury risks.

4 snips
May 21, 2024 • 19min
493 – How Skill Shapes Functional Movement Variability& Exploration Tendencies
Exploring the impact of skill on movement variability and exploration tendencies in kickboxing, questioning if previous training hinders or enhances creativity. Examining the interplay between individual constraints, intrinsic dynamics, and creativity in functional movement. Investigating how expertise levels affect creativity and exploration tendencies in kickboxing. Delving into the relationship between exploration tendencies and original striking movements, highlighting the importance of exploration for creativity.

May 14, 2024 • 1h 8min
492 – An Ecological Approach to Physical Therapy, Rehab & Injury Prevention (JC38)
Shoulder magician Wieger Heijenk and Tidal Tank's Lupko Pot discuss unique PT and training approaches. Topics include water-based rehab, shifting to external focus for better outcomes, ankle stiffness to prevent injuries, and innovative tools like hydro vests for therapy and injury prevention.

May 7, 2024 • 15min
491 – Comparing Different Methods for Training the Action Capacity of Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Performance
Exploring the effectiveness of ecological dynamics-based training in improving counter-movement jump performance compared to traditional methods. Comparing cognitive vs. ecological training methods for CMJ performance enhancement. Results show ecological dynamics group had greater improvement. Advocating for athlete-centered practice for movement performance enhancement. Importance of adaptability in achieving optimal movement solutions.

Apr 30, 2024 • 20min
490 – Understanding Sport Injury from a Dynamical Systems Approach
Discussing sports injuries from a dynamical systems approach, focusing on good variability, coordination, movement synergies. Exploring muscle synergy, variability, and impact of perturbations on system stability. Analyzing injury prevention through coordination patterns in dynamical systems.

16 snips
Apr 23, 2024 • 51min
489 – Interview with Alex Sarama, Transforming Basketball
Guest Alex Sarama, founder of Transforming Basketball, discusses transitioning to game-based coaching in basketball, emphasizing ecological dynamics, individual player needs, and principles of play. The podcast explores enhancing player performance through active engagement, scout reports, deliberate practice, and focus variability in training.

24 snips
Apr 16, 2024 • 26min
488- The Constraints-Led Approach (CLA) 2024
Delving into the Constraints-Led Approach, the podcast discusses promoting self-organization in athletes, improving pitching mechanics with a connection ball, enhancing sports training through constraints like occlusion glasses, and focusing on holistic skill development with the CLA.

Apr 9, 2024 • 15min
487 – Do the classic motor learning effects (eg focus of attention, choice) apply to experts?
Exploring if motor learning principles apply to expert athletes, study focuses on effects of focus of attention and self-controlled practice on free throw accuracy in basketball. Results show benefits of external and holistic attention conditions, supporting autonomy and optimized performance through individualized training choices.

Apr 2, 2024 • 12min
486 – Functional Variability in the Cricket Bowling Delivery
Explore how cricket bowlers use movement variability to control delivery timing and speed, challenging traditional beliefs on repeatable actions in sports. Understand the importance of functional variability in maintaining consistency and performance outcomes in the cricket bowling delivery.

Mar 19, 2024 • 9min
485 – Coach Education Workshops, My New Book Coming Soon
A look at research (and some of my personal experiences) on the effectiveness of co-created coach education workshops to bridge the gap between current coaching practices and scientific evidence. A little bit about my new book – coming in 6 months! Articles/Links:Using a coproduced educational workshop to change the focus of verbal instructions delivered by professional youth soccer coaches: a case study Bridging the Gap Between Science and Application: The Use of Cocreation Educational Workshops in Professional Youth Soccer New book preorder: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW1GBF61 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 Support the podcast and receive bonus content Credits: The Flamin' Groovies – Shake\Some Action Mark Lanegan - Saint Louis Elegy
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.