The Adaptable Athlete Podcast

Jim Haverstrom, a seasoned hockey coach with over 25 years of experience, shares his innovative game-based approach to youth hockey coaching. He emphasizes skill development through in-game scenarios rather than traditional drills, helping players enhance their hockey IQ and creativity. Haverstrom discusses how to communicate these methods to parents, prioritize long-term growth, and foster autonomy in young athletes. He also explores the benefits of observing players to identify their challenges and encourages a culture of ownership in their sport.

Marianne Davies, an expert in skill acquisition with over 35 years in coaching and adventure sports, dives into the fascinating intersection of language, perception, and learning. She shares how unstructured learning in adventure sports can unlock athletes' potential and discusses the importance of exploration for personal growth. Marianne also highlights the importance of building connections and adapting coaching methods, advocating for a shift away from traditional, structured approaches. Her insights reveal how outdoor challenges can enrich both life and sport.

Send us a textIn this episode, we dive deep into the transcendent movement skill of Lamar Jackson with special guest Shawn Myszka!In addition to having partnered with 139 NFL athletes and many pro bowlers, Shawn also has been deeply investigating and writing about movement on his website Football Beyond The Stats for over a decade.  Every year Shawn names "Mover of the Year", and this year it was none other than Lamar Jackson! As a two-time Mover of the Year, Jackson’s ability to adapt, create, and solve problems on the field is unmatched. We explore what makes his movement so special, how he perceives the game at an elite level, and what coaches can learn from how he problem solves. Plus, we break down how weather, and pressure can impact performance at the highest level. Whether you coach football, basketball, soccer, or any other sport, this conversation will reshape how you think about skill development, movement, and coaching in complex environments. If you like today's episode, leave a review here....If you want to reach me directly, contact me on social media or shoot me @javier@emergentmvmt.com.Wanna be able to analyze film through an ecological lens? Check out our Skilled Movement Analysis Course.Episode Resources:2024 Mover of the Year - Lamar 2019 Mover of the Year - Lamar Shawn's twitter Shawn's paper on "(Re)conceptualizing Sport Movement"Shawn's American Football Paper Twitter video of Lamar Episode Webpage Credits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat!Twitter: @thecoachjavIG: @thecoachjav

Brian Neff, an athletic development coach for US Ski and Snowboard and mentor in the collegiate sector, shares his journey from music to coaching, highlighting the unexpected parallels between the two disciplines. He emphasizes the importance of creativity and adaptability in training, especially for Paralympic athletes. Key discussions revolve around innovative training methods for athletes with cerebral palsy and amputations, showcasing proven techniques that foster resilience and ownership. Neff's unique blend of music and sports enhances his coaching philosophy, making training both engaging and effective.

Dive into the essence of skill acquisition as the hosts explore the critical information present in training environments. Learn why realistic conditions matter and how they can significantly enhance athlete performance. The discussion poses three thought-provoking questions that challenge traditional coaching methods and drills, encouraging a fresh perspective on effective training. Tune in for a quick yet insightful look at how to optimize your training approach!

Brian Gillam, a seasoned hockey player development expert with 39 years in the field, dives deep into the need for modernizing hockey coaching. He critiques outdated, linear methodologies, advocating for play-based learning to enhance athlete engagement. Gillam emphasizes the power of ecological coaching, which nurtures problem-solving and independence among players. By encouraging adaptability and creativity, he reshapes traditional practices, seeking to empower athletes through innovative approaches that embrace an environment of exploration.

In this engaging conversation, Rob Gray, a renowned professor at Arizona State University and author of "Learning to Be an Ecological Coach," dives into the evolving landscape of coaching. He dismantles the myth of 'muscle memory' and emphasizes the importance of adaptability in skill acquisition. Rob discusses the complexities of ecological coaching, the challenges coaches face, and the need to prioritize flexible training methods. Listeners will also gain insights into how personal experiences in sports can shape coaching philosophies and athlete development.

Explore why traditional athletic drills might be holding you back. Learn how repetitive practices can reduce adaptability and decision-making skills. Discover a fresh approach that emphasizes diverse movement challenges to prepare athletes for real-life competition. In just six minutes, gain practical insights that can reshape your training methodology and boost performance!

Send us a textOn this episode, I'll and we answer your skill acquisition questions!We asked you  on social media  to post any burning questions you had and you delivered!  Today, we answer those questions.  Some of the topics we covered include:Affordances - Can 2 athletes need unique solutions to solve the same problem?What about the phrase "let the environment speak first" - How can we use this framework?Stealing a pass in basketball -  What to look for?  How to anticipate?A HUGE thank you to everyone who participated! We really enjoy the interaction, and are always looking to create content that helps your craft!If you like today's episode, leave a review here....If you want to reach me directly, contact me on social media or shoot me @javier@emergentmvmt.com.Episode Resources:Emergence Website My episode w/ Andrew WilsonSkill Acquisition Specialist Paper  Credits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat!Twitter: @thecoachjavIG: @thecoachjav

Send us a textWelcome to today's show! On this episode, we announce our Movement & Skill Acquisition Award Winner!  This is something, we started last year, where we get to honor the best and brightest on the skill acquisition community.  We have categories:  Lifetime achievement award,  practitioner of the year award, and researcher of the year award.   Last year Kieth Davids, Alex Sarama, and Rob Gray won the awards respectively.  This year Shawn and Tyler got the privilege of honoring the 2024 award winner!If you like today's episode, leave a review here....If you want to reach me directly, contact me on social media or shoot me @javier@emergentmvmt.com.Episode Resources:Emergence Website Duarte on X Fabian on XCarl on X Skill Acquisition Specialist Paper Credits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat!Twitter: @thecoachjavIG: @thecoachjav