

The Constraints Collective
The Constraints Collective
Our mission is to transform practice environments in sport by equipping coaches with the knowledge, understanding and skills to bridge the gap between skill acquisition theory and practice.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 14, 2025 • 35min
#60 Let's ditch the ecological/information processing dualism
Dive into the clash between cognitive and ecological approaches to skill acquisition and coaching. Unpack the evolution from rigid, traditional methods to more dynamic ecological perspectives, emphasizing interaction with the environment. Discover how to foster athlete engagement by moving beyond mechanical practice and embracing challenges. Learn about the challenges of parental expectations and how to turn mistakes into growth opportunities. Gain insights into the importance of context in shaping learning experiences, especially in sports.

Sep 7, 2025 • 1h 3min
#59 Liam Bromilow
If you're getting value from our podcast check out our Patreon site at patreon.com/TheConstraintsCollective where you can access member only podcasts and monthly meet ups, a range of resources and an online coaching community.Liam Bromilow is an educator, leader, learning designer, and skill acquisition specialist. With over 20 years of experience teaching in primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions. His career has been driven by a passion for empowering learners and creating transformative educational experiences.Liam specialises in designing effective learning opportunities by integrating adult education theories, instructional design methodologies, and immersive technologies. His goal is to inspire lifelong learning and foster lasting change through innovative and evidence-based approaches.With a commitment to excellence in education, he thrives on developing meaningful programs that engage diverse audiences and addresses complex learning needs. Whether crafting curriculum, leading teams, or leveraging technology, he is dedicated to making a lasting impact in education and beyond.Link to paper 'The Effectiveness of Linear and Nonlinear Pedagogical Approaches in Team Invasion Ball Sports: A Systematic Review' https://link.springer.com/epdf/10.1186/s40798-025-00893-y?sharing_token=jt6J0_BHZdd-Cnfa171xaW_BpE1tBhCbnbw3BuzI2RMYN3Ch5Og1K57ujiA_ps4wq9czYu1Cl136WokBeAe5DfICtwcWmlVlIu2Jx-rMHaRX1PvHGd9YSRvreuamZZM8WqU0ezdFDkHOvJ-f_YgOzocMycLymlpzDRqE7oVw5f0%3D

Aug 26, 2025 • 37min
#58 Round Up 2
This discussion dives into cutting-edge approaches to coaching and skill acquisition in sports. Experts share insights on the importance of adaptive training methods and emotional intelligence in player development. The conversation touches on the evolving practices within football academies, highlighting the challenges coaches face in implementation. A thrilling analysis of a Newcastle vs. Liverpool match captures the excitement of real-time tactics and player performances. The podcast emphasizes understanding the emotional context in sports, blending theory with practical applications for optimal results.

Aug 22, 2025 • 28min
#57 Ross Pinder Podcast Summary
If you're getting value from our podcast check out our Patreon site at patreon.com/TheConstraintsCollective where you can access member only podcasts and monthly meet ups, a range of resources and an online coaching community.In this episode we summarise the Ross Pinder podcast, a thought-provoking conversation that has sparked plenty of debate in our community. We explore powerful ideas such as reverse engineering from competition, design thinking in practice design, and the crucial role of relationships in coach development. We discuss Ross' insights on anticipating future performance demands, building adaptability, and creating training environments that prepare athletes for real-world challenges. From universal design principles to the game-changing impact of a single session, this episode is packed with takeaways for coaches seeking to elevate learning and performance.

15 snips
Aug 16, 2025 • 1h 13min
#56 Ways of Knowing in Coach Development
Explore innovative ideas in coach development, focusing on multiple 'ways of knowing' through James Gibson's perceptual lens. Delve into the challenges of constructive alignment and assessment in coaching education. Engage in a lively debate about measuring coaching success, balancing athlete outcomes with instructional intentions. Discover practical tools for coach development, like reflection audits and manipulating constraints to enhance learning. It's a rich discussion for those passionate about coaching and education!

Aug 8, 2025 • 1h 12min
#55 Ian McCall
Ian McCall is a Scottish football coach who currently owns Corinthian Creative, a company focused on providing coaching resources and workshops. He is also involved in delivering workshops for clubs looking to improve coaching and player development. If you're getting value from our podcast check our Patreon site at patreon.com/TheConstraintsCollective

Aug 5, 2025 • 53min
#54 Round Up 1
In this episode, Martyn and Ian reflect on a busy month of work and sport, discussing recent projects in PhD supervision and applied coaching research. Topics include early specialization in ballet, creativity in team sports, remote coaching, and representative practice in rugby sevens. They also explore the cultural and environmental influences on player development and performance, using examples from cricket, rugby, and cycling. Key themes include learning through play, adapting to context, and resisting fixed mindsets in talent development. Enjoy!!Link to Joe Root interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56dmWmnUiBU

5 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 35min
#53 Podcast Summary 1
Get ready for a fresh take on coaching! Discover how diverse communities enhance athletic performance through innovative practices. Learn about simplifying coaching strategies for clearer athlete communication and improved results. The importance of cultivating essential qualities like curiosity and compassion in coaches is highlighted, showcasing how they foster strong relationships. Lastly, delve into the dynamic between coaches and athletes, revealing how these connections drive growth in both parties.

22 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 38min
#52 The ecological dynamics of cognizant action in sport
Dive into the fascinating interplay between perception and action in sports. Explore how ecological dynamics inform skill acquisition and enhance coaching techniques. Discover the evolving roles in rugby, where speed and agility redefine player strategies. Learn the significance of problem-solving in practice design, empowering athletes to face unexpected challenges. Contrast weak and strong anticipation, revealing how athletes can sharpen their decision-making skills. Finally, embrace the power of adaptability in training to elevate performance.

4 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 1h 14min
#51 Ed Coughlan, Alan Dutton & Sam Jermyn
Ed Coughlan, a senior lecturer specializing in skill acquisition for golfers, Alan Dutton, an advocate for problem-centered learning in martial arts, and Sam Jermyn, who focuses on athlete-centered approaches in basketball and golf, discuss the evolving landscape of coaching. They explore the shift from traditional to modern methodologies, the innovative 'cut bleeding bandage' method for honest coaching feedback, and the importance of a strengths-based approach in enhancing coaching effectiveness. The conversation is filled with insights on bridging research and practice in sports.


