

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

Sep 5, 2023 • 24min
461 – Do Enhanced Expectations Help Us Under Pressure?
How does training under conditions of enhanced expectations for performance success influence us under pressure and dual-task conditions? Is it possible to explain these effects in the ecological approach? Articles:Enhanced expectancies benefit performance under distraction, but compromise it under stress: Exploring the OPTIMAL theory 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

Aug 29, 2023 • 22min
460 – How Much Progress Have We Made in Skill Acquisition and Where Do We Need to Go?
This podcast challenges common practices in skill acquisition research and introduces a new framework called SAFE. It explores inconsistencies between coaching practice and research, emphasizes the importance of balancing long-term learning and short-term performance, discusses creating an appropriate environment for skill acquisition, and highlights the importance of collaboration and support in skill acquisition and coaching.

4 snips
Aug 22, 2023 • 20min
459 – An Applied Model for Using Variability in Practice
The podcast explores the topic of using variability in practice, discussing when and why it should be used. They emphasize the impact of variability on motor programming and learning, and propose a model for utilizing variability based on skill level and attention load. The speakers also raise concerns about representative design and suggest a more specific approach.

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.