The River Tiger Podcast from Dynamics Coaching

In this episode we revisit the importance of considering where an athlete or learner is focusing their attention and why focus of attention is so important for skill acquisition, retention, and transfer. My guests bring the topic to life with an overview of the research literature to date. We also discuss some of the challenges of research, application to practice and why this area is so important for coaches to be aware of.  Findings in the 'focus of attention' literature for the benefits of an 'external focus'  has been one of the most replicated phenomena in sports science. But, is it that simple? More recent research is challenging the simple internal vs external focus dichotomy and looking at what perceptual information might be most important for the performer to be attuning to. We also discuss the importance of researchers learning from practitioners. My guests on this episode are Dr Vicky Gottwald and Dr Robin Owen.Vicky GottwaldX @GottwaldVickyUniversity profilehttps://www.bangor.ac.uk/staff/spss/vicky-gottwald-016917/enRobin OwenX @RobinOwenPsychUniversity profilehttps://www.hope.ac.uk/si/dr-robin-owen.htmlUseful Links Gottwald et al, (2023). Every story has two sides: evaluating information processing and ecological dynamics perspectives of focus of attention in skill acquisition https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fspor.2023.1176635/fullHarnessing the power of attention: Exploring 'focus of attention' theories, practice, and myths. In book: Myths of Sport Performance (Due in Spring 2024). Publisher: Sequoia.Draft version: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377416924_Harnessing_the_power_of_attention_Exploring_'focus_of_attention'_theories_practice_and_myths 

My guest Mark O'Sullivan is an associate professor at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences and an 'A' Licence Football Coach. Mark is also a co-author on my concept paper, 'Can't jump, won't jump.' In this conversation we explore why Mark chose to go back into academia and follow a PhD researching coaching and skill acquisition from an ecological dynamics perspective.The conversation follows our curiosity and wanders through a variety of topics starting with Mark's motivation to 'fall into a PhD' at Sheffield Hallam University in the UK with James Rumbold and Keith Davids alongside his full time job as Head of Development for 8–12 years olds at AIK FC in Stockholm. The conversation centres on the challenges and opportunities of trying to move from a more linear to nonlinear pedagogy in sports coaching practice. Mark challenges many of our current coaching practices, myths, coach education, and the pervasiveness of socio-cultural influences.For those of you who are paying attention, Mark is also one of my co-authors on the paper 'Can't jump, won't jump: Affordances of the horse-rider dyad underpin skill adaptation in showjumping using a constraints-led approach.' Davies at al, 2022.https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/17479541221107379Here are some of Mark's open access academic papers:The Learning in Development Research Framework for sports organizations, O'sullivan et al, 2021. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13573322.2021.1966618Not just to know more, but to also know better: How data analysis-synthesis can be woven into sport science practiced as an art of inquiry, O'sullivan et al, 2023. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13573322.2023.2261970Researchgate (if you are not familiar with this site, it's a great place to search for academic researchers and often has copies of papers available as open access): https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mark-O-Sullivan-PhdTwitter (X): @markstkhlmMark's Blog: https://footblogball.wordpress.com/

On this episode I am joined by event rider and equestrian coach, Alex van Randwyck. I met Alex through mutual coach development work and found her insightful, humble and with the ability to connect with others and communicate with refreshing clarity. So of course, I asked her if she would consider being a guest on my podcast!I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did. Alex shares so many insights and examples about how we can all be proactive in our own development and learning as coaches. Especially in learning from, and supporting each other. As always, although we are focussed on equestrian sports, this podcast is as relevant for any sport or activity. Getting in touch with Alex. Alex's social media is packed with great advice, ideas and loads of fun facts. https://www.alexvanrandwyck.com/https://www.instagram.com/avanrandwyckcoaching/https://www.facebook.com/avanrandwyckcoaching/About my guest. "In 2013 I went to the University of Leicester to study Geology and I became involved with student riding. I qualified for nationals in 2015 and was awarded a Sport Scholarship in my final year. In the autumn of 2015 I competed in my first Student Riding Nations Cup representing the Netherlands where we won team silver. Through these competitions I was able to compete all over Europe in places like Poland, Ireland, Germany and Switzerland and in 2016 I was selected to be part of the team for the World University Equestrian Championships.In 2017 I went to work for Nick Gauntlett. I spent 2 years there and it was a great experience to be part of a larger set up. I had the opportunity to groom at overseas events, ride lovely young horses and work with the stallions and youngstock. It was also really helpful to have someone so experienced on hand to go to for advice and training. Working here allowed me to gain experience with lots of different horses and helped me to pass my A Test in 2019.In the autumn of 2019 I set up on my own and even though we were in the middle of a global pandemic my business has grown quickly. I teach regularly for the Wokingham and Garth South pony club branches in addition to training the area 13 AH Test candidates. I really enjoy teaching as it’s so lovely to watch partnerships grow and be involved in their journey. I particularly enjoy teaching younger children and riders who lack confidence as I am good at breaking down concepts and making sure the rider has all the skills they need to progress and work on their own." 

Where performers direct their focus of attention has significant impacts on performance and learning.  Coaches typically use instructions and practice design to direct a performers attention, intentionally or not. However there is generally a miss-match between coaching practice (instructions that are internally and form/technique focussed) and research (which advocates an external focus of attention).This episode is a joint production with 'Locked in Shed' podcaster Richard Barbour. Locked in Shed podcasts https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lockedinshed/episodes/Locked-in-Shed-series-1---episode-9-eie7ccInstagram https://www.instagram.com/lockedinshed/UK Snowsports Coaching Conference details and tickets Open access research paper - Every story has two sides: evaluating information processing and ecological dynamics perspectives of focus of attention in skill acquisition https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fspor.2023.1176635/full?&utm_source=Email_to_authors_&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=T1_11.5e1_author&utm_campaign=Email_publication&field=&journalName=Frontiers_in_Sports_and_Active_Living&id=1176635

Part 2 of my conversation with US show jumper, Lacy Stormes.

Show notes to follow.My fabulous guest, Dr Gal Ziv can be found on Research Gate at https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Gal-Ziv'Gal's main research interest is the role of attention and perception in human performance of motor skills. Specifically, he is interested in the role that visual attention plays when learning complex skills such as flying an aircraft or performing surgery.'This is the paper that inspired me to connect with Gal for a conversation about his research (open access) - An embodied and ecological approach to skill acquisition in racecar driving.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fspor.2023.1095639/full

My fabulous guest this week is USA showjumper, Lacy Stormes.In the first part of this episode Lacy shares how she ended up with a barefoot horse and becoming more curious and, almost accidentally, going against the 'do what has always been done, how it's always been done' advise. This was a fascinating conversation and I learnt so much. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Part two will be out soon!Contacts for my guest: Lacy Stormes•Stormes Horsemanship and Showjumping • Lacy Stormes Barefoot ShowjumpingProfessional rider and coachOn Instagram: Stormes ShowjumpingOn Facebook:Stormes Horsemanship and ShowjumpingLacy Stormes Barefoot Showjumping USALacy Stormes and barefoot L.A. LOVE2023 Grand Prix of Flintridge 8th place finishLacy Stormes and barefoot Totem Du Phare2023 Shamrockin Show Speed StakeChampionPhoto Credit: Grandpix

My guest on this episode is Dr Carrie Ijichi.I reached out to Carrie after reading some of her research about how horses cope and respond to stress. Her research is refreshing, much needed and will hopefully help us to understand our equines better. In this conversation Carrie brings to life how a horses personality is influenced by biology and experience, and how in turn, that influences the way they cope and the way they experience pain.About my guest"I'm interested how coping style affects the expression of negative states including differences in pain behaviour & stereotypy between individuals & whether these can be explained by personality. More recently, I've been investigating various factors that influence how well animals cope with human handling including pressure headcollars, handler bond and welfare during learning. I use behavioural analysis, salivary cortisol, heart rate variability and infrared thermography in my research."ResearchGate https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Carrie-Ijichi

Nia is an Equine Nutritionist and Podiatrist with a particular interest in species appropriate feeding and management of the horse for optimum health and performance. She is a Director of Finer Forage, a natural horse food and supplement company. She is also a tutor at Areion Academy where she teaches equine nutrition, and co-owns Pony Pedicures with Ali.www.areion.co.uk/eenwww.finerforage.com www.facebook.com/equineandpetnutritionAli is an Equine Podiatrist, working with Nia and Harriet at Pony Pedicures. He has a particular interest in the rehabilitation of hoof pathologies and believes that rebuilding the hoof structures to improve function, comfort and performance is usually possible when a whole horse approach is employed, by working collaboratively with other professionals such as physiotherapists, nutritionists and vets. www.ponypedicures.comwww.facebook.com/ponypedicuresHarriet is a horse trainer focussing on harmonious partnerships and healthy biomechanics and is passionate about rehab work and holistic horse care and management. She is also an Equine Podiatrist working with Ali Taylor at Pony Pedicures and runs her own business H&H training and hoof care.https://www.facebook.com/Horses.Hattie

My guest this week is the fabulous equine ethologist, Renate Larssen. We covered so many topics exploring the intersection of equine ethology, learning and skill acquisition. I know that this is a long podcast again, but it was so worth it. We delved into so many areas including, philosophy, ethics, relationships, agency, research directions, and lives worth living. My guest, Renate Larssen Ethologist (MSc) | Equine behaviour specialist | PhD student human-animal relations BODY-POLITICS/University of Leicester. "I have a BSc in Veterinary Medicine from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and a MSc in Applied Ethology from Linköping University. My published research can be found here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168159122001095Currently enrolled as a PhD student at the University of Leicester School of Archaeology and Ancient History, where I apply modern ethological research into animal cognition, emotion and behaviour to re-theorize human-animal relations in the Scandinavian Iron and Viking Age as part of the ERC-funded BODY-POLITICS project. Did a brief eight-year stint in politics so I know a bit about policymaking, public affairs, and communications, too. I write about horses and science:  https://theequineethologist.substack.com/Recommended books from the podcast:Susanna Forrest, The Age of the HorseStephen Budiansky, The Nature of HorsesCarl Safina, Becoming Wild and Beyond WordsJames Bridle, Ways of Being