
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

Aug 15, 2023 • 14min
458 – Variability of Practice and Injury Risk
A study comparing coaching methods for reducing ACL injury risk in basketball found that variability and degeneracy can be effective. The importance of movement variability in reducing injury risk is explored, along with different approaches like nonlinear pedagogy and constraint-led approach. Gender representation in training groups and its impact on change of direction performance is examined. Traditional coaching methods are compared with alternative approaches like nonlinear pedagogy and constraint-led approach. A study highlights the effectiveness of constraint-led approach in reducing ACL injury risk. The potential of practice variability in reducing the risk of ACL injury is also discussed.

Aug 8, 2023 • 14min
457 - Functional variability in the volleyball attack developed via the CLA
This podcast explores the benefits of practicing a skill with unpredictable options versus isolated rehearsal. It discusses the impact of traditional practice and a constrained action approach on volleyball attack skill development, as well as comparing training methods in representative serve reception sets. The podcast also examines various kinematic variables related to the volleyball attack and the significance of task simplification and decision-making in volleyball attacks.

5 snips
Aug 1, 2023 • 23min
456 – The Myth of Contextual Interference & the Variability of Practice Effect?
Exploring the myth of contextual interference and the variability of practice in motor learning. Discussing the benefits of random practice, the impact of contextual interference on skill acquisition, and a critique of a study on sports and motor skills. Examining the effect of age on contextual interference and understanding the differences between blocked and random practice in sports.

6 snips
Jul 25, 2023 • 19min
455 – Do We Really Need to Learn The “Fundamentals” of a Skill Through Decomposition and Repetition First?
Challenging the traditional coaching approach by discussing training effectiveness, comparing isolated training with nonlinear pedagogy, testing the importance of fundamentals, exploring the effectiveness of nonlinear training and skill acquisition.

Jul 18, 2023 • 11min
454 – How to Coach – An Integrated Framework
A review of the paper “How to coach: A review of theoretical approaches for the development of a novel coach education framework” which incorporates self-determination theory explicit, explicit learning and implicit learning. Articles:How to coach: A review of theoretical approaches for the development of a novel coach education framework 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 via freemusicarchive.org and jamendo.com

18 snips
Jul 11, 2023 • 16min
453 – On the Coach’s Role in the CLA
Exploring the responsibilities of a coach within the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA), focusing on constraint manipulations, adaptability, and verbal instruction. The coach's role in the CLA is to shape constraints to improve the learner's capabilities. Coaching involves exploratory behavior, observational skills, and guiding athletes' attention. Strategic instruction from a coach affects performance in small-sided football games, highlighting the influence of guidance on team dynamics.

24 snips
May 23, 2023 • 55min
452 – WTF is an Uncontrolled Manifold?! Andrew Wilson
Andrew Wilson, a keen researcher in ecological psychology and motor skills, dives deep into the Uncontrolled Manifold concept. He explains how this theory sheds light on variability in throwing techniques, distinguishing between productive and detrimental variability. The conversation covers the importance of adaptability in athletic movements, discussing how synergy among body parts influences performance. Wilson also unveils insights from his recent paper, advocating for a nuanced understanding of throwing mechanics that embraces functional variability for optimal training.

May 16, 2023 • 36min
451 – Coach Journeys: Drew Dunlop, Building a Basketball Laboratory
My interview with Drew Dunlop, Basketball Coach and co-founder of the Pro Lane. Links:www.TheProLane.com https://twitter.com/CoachDrewD https://twitter.com/TheProLane 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 via freemusicarchive.org and jamendo.com

4 snips
May 9, 2023 • 35min
450 – Coach Journeys: Scott Sievewright, Finding Authenticity in an Ecological Approach to MMA
My interview with Scott Sievewright, Head MMA Coach, Primal MKE Links: https://www.primalmke.com/ https://twitter.com/mke_mma 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 via freemusicarchive.org and jamendo.com

May 2, 2023 • 54min
449 – Coach Journeys: Marianne Davies, Exploring the Ecological Approach from Horses to Rivers to Mountains
My interview with Marianne Davies, Senior Coach Developer for UK Coaching Links: https://twitter.com/Marianne_D1 https://dynamics-coaching.com/ https://rivertigerpodcastequestriancoaching.buzzsprout.com/ 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 via freemusicarchive.org and jamendo.com