#64 Do we need skill acquisition specialists in sport?
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 ask the question 'Do sport organisations need skill acquisition specialists?'. We explore how a skill acquisition specialist (SAS) could help coaches create learning environments that balance structure with adaptability, foster athlete autonomy, improving session design, and managing complexity within team dynamics. We also discuss how constraints shape behaviour, the role of communication in developing decision-making, and the importance of reflection for both coach and player growth. Practical examples are shared that illustrate how small adjustments in task design can lead to big improvements in performance. We conclude with advice for coaches seeking to align their philosophy with daily practice and long-term athlete development. Enjoy!!
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#63 Matt Miller-Dicks
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.Matt Miller-Dicks is an Associate Professor in Skill Acquisition in the School of Psychology, Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Portsmouth. Matt has published over 50 peer-reviewed publications in outlets that primarily span the disciplines of sport and exercise science and experimental psychology. He has a wide-range of applied experience, having worked collaboratively with national and international teams in sports including rugby and football, as well as government agency.Matt's research interests are focused on the visual control of movement in natural environments and he has expertise in the use of mobile eye tracking technology. He is particularly interested in examining how perception and action are skilfully adapted to changing environmental demands across the lifespan. Matt's research has been applied to different domains, including health and safety settings, anticipation and decision-making in sport, and training that aims to improve these facets of sport performance.Enjoy!
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#62 Round Up 3
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 reflect on a busy September, with a spotlight on Ian’s recent work in Bangladesh cricket. Invited by the Bangladesh Cricket Board, he and colleagues ran a three-day workshop focused on player development through constraint-led coaching, emphasising problem-solving, game-based practice, and cultural relevance. The discussion highlights how local traditions, religion, and upbringing influence coaching and performance. Broader themes include co-designing practice, fostering adaptability, focusing on strengths, and creating representative learning environments that mirror competition. Enjoy!
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#61 Podcast Summary 3
In this episode, we summarise our conversation with football coach and thinker, Jamie Hamilton. Jamie’s unique blend of practical coaching experience and deep theoretical exploration has shaped his insights into positional and relational approaches in football. We explore how culture, adaptability, and authenticity influence coaching, and why football must be seen as a human game beyond just data and analytics. From South American influences to the modern evolution of tactics, Jamie’s perspective challenges traditional views and inspires coaches to think differently about practice design and player development. A must-listen for coaches and performance practitioners. Link to Jamie's article https://medium.com/@stirlingj1982/what-is-relationism-c98d6233d9c2
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#60 Let's ditch the ecological/information processing dualism
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 explore the longstanding debate between cognitive and ecological approaches to skill acquisition and coaching. The discussion traces the history from behaviorism through cognitive psychology to the rise of ecological dynamics, highlighting differences in how each views learning, practice, and feedback. While the cognitive tradition emphasizes repetition, internal representations, and error correction, the ecological perspective focuses on player–environment interactions, exploration, and adaptive problem-solving. We discuss how the integration of the two approaches is difficult due to differing philosophical foundations but encourage coaches to reflect on their worldview, avoid outdated dualisms, and design practice environments that best support athlete learning. Enjoy!!
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.
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