

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

7 snips
Oct 1, 2024 • 22min
511 – Applying the Predictive Processing Theory of Action Control to Practice Design in Sports
Discover how predictive processing theory can transform sports practice design. The discussion highlights the importance of surprise and variability for skill development. Learn how athletes can develop internal models to better anticipate their actions and sensory feedback. There's also a critical look at blending various coaching theories and the need for practical training guidelines. Join the conversation on enhancing coaching effectiveness through a collaborative approach.

Sep 24, 2024 • 35min
510 – Self-Organization, The Great Unknown: Preview of the 2024 Baseball Skill Acquisition Summit
Randy Sullivan, a baseball skill acquisition expert, and Frans Bosch, a renowned authority on self-organization in sports, delve into the intricacies of training. They explore how self-organization shapes athletic performance, emphasizing the balance between individual constraints and anatomical principles. Learn about the critical role of invariants in pitcher training and why understanding the 'why' in coaching matters. Plus, get a sneak peek at the exciting agenda for the upcoming 2024 Baseball Skill Acquisition Summit, packed with innovative strategies for skill development and injury prevention.

Sep 17, 2024 • 49min
509 – A Call for More Clarity on How to Use the CLA: The 3 Questions Paper
Dive into the intricacies of constraints-led coaching, where the need for structured guidelines meets the realities of a flexible coaching framework. Explore the challenges and misconceptions surrounding skill acquisition and coaching strategies. Discover insights into delays in upcoming ecological coaching literature and the speaker's dedication to integrating fresh research while fostering community support. It's a thought-provoking journey through the evolving landscape of coaching methodologies!

Sep 10, 2024 • 43min
508 – Liveliness in Training and the CLA, Interview w Pete Blair, Texas State University
Pete Blair, Executive Director at Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training, discussed the vital role of liveliness in various training contexts. He shared insights on the Contextual Learning Approach, emphasizing the need for adaptable and realistic scenarios in law enforcement. The conversation critiqued traditional training methods, advocating for a constraints-led approach that promotes flexibility and critical thinking in high-pressure situations. Additionally, Blair stressed the importance of bridging the gap between training and real-life application, drawing parallels with combative sports.

Sep 3, 2024 • 15min
507 - Nonlinear vs Linear Pedagogy for Police Training. What learners need vs. what they want
Dive into the intriguing world of police knife defense training! The discussion revolves around a study comparing linear and nonlinear teaching methods. Discover how non-linear methods enhance adaptability and performance. There's also a surprising look at what trainees really want versus what they need. This exploration reveals the essential balance between structured guidance and flexible learning in high-stakes scenarios.

Aug 27, 2024 • 18min
506 - Perceiving Higher Order Affordances in Sports & Fields of Safe Travel
The discussion dives into how athletes perceive complex opportunities in sports, especially in soccer. It emphasizes the importance of direct perception over analytical thinking in making quick decisions on the field. The fascinating interplay of lower-order and higher-order affordances is unpacked, along with how players navigate safe pathways while executing plays. This exploration reveals insights into the cognitive strategies that enhance athletic performance.

21 snips
Aug 20, 2024 • 29min
505 – Synergies, Equilibrium Points & Fascia
Dive into the fascinating world of motor control as the discussion highlights the importance of motor synergies in sports training. Discover the equilibrium point hypothesis and how it reshapes our understanding of movement. The vital role of fascia in enhancing movement efficiency and sensory perception is explored. The talk transitions from conventional coaching techniques to focusing on the deeper purpose of movement, emphasizing how this shift can elevate athlete performance.

Aug 13, 2024 • 14min
504 – Is There An Optimal Amount of Practice Variability for Learning That Depends on Skill Level?
Is there a sweet spot for practice variability in learning? The discussion dives into how the ideal level can vary based on a learner's skill. Surprisingly, lower variability may boost performance in beginners, challenging conventional wisdom. The fascinating research highlights the complexities of motor learning and suggests that more practice isn't always better. Tune in for insights that could reshape how we think about training and skill acquisition!

Jul 30, 2024 • 1h 18min
503 – An Ecological Approach to Police Defensive Tactics Training (JC44)
In this insightful discussion, Chris Butler, a trainer from Trainers Bullpen, and Jeff Quail from Setcan explore the application of ecological dynamics in police training. They highlight the need for adaptive learning in high-pressure situations, critiquing traditional methods for their limitations. The duo advocates for a 'living range' concept for realistic scenarios, emphasizing technology integration and decision-making skills. They also delve into essential handgun tactics and the legal frameworks affecting police responses, aiming to revolutionize defensive tactics training.

4 snips
Jul 23, 2024 • 41min
502 – A Framework for Using Virtual Reality (VR) in Sports, Luke Wilkins, LaTrobe University
Luke Wilkins from LaTrobe University discusses a framework for using Virtual Reality in sports, focusing on baseball. They explore enhancing psychological performance and player technique testing with VR. The podcast also discusses post-game analysis benefits and future projects in baseball and soccer contexts.