In this episode we discuss an article from The Athletic entitled “What is the CLA? Inside the revolutionary coaching method quietly fuelling the world’s best athletes.”

We reflect on the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA) in coaching challenging the notion that it’s a “revolution,” since the foundational work by Carl Newell is nearly 40 years old. 

The discussion explores:

• How CLA is rooted in motor learning and ecological dynamics.
• The contrast between individualistic coaching cultures (like in the U.S.) and collective, environment-centered approaches advocated by CLA.
• How traditional practices (e.g., rigid playbooks) can hinder athlete development by limiting adaptability and creativity.
• The importance of coaches framing learning intentions skilfully, shaping environments that invite effective exploration and self-organisation rather than prescribing fixed solutions.

Enjoy!

Link to the article: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6665943/2025/09/29/sports-training-cla-coaching-wembanyana-ohtani/?source=user_shared_article

Dr Jonathon Headrick is a lecturer and researcher in the field of exercise and sports science. He is also an accredited Exercise (AES) and Sports (ASpS) Scientist recognised by ESSA.  Dr Headrick's expertise lies in skill-acqusition and learning design in sport, with applications spanning junior development through to elite level performance contexts. Jonathon's research is founded on theoretical frameworks including Ecological Dynamics and the Constraints-Led Approach to provide principled recommendations and implications for various sport stakeholders. Dr Headrick continues to engage and collaborate with a range of sporting organistaions and partners including the AIS, QAS, Paralympics Australia, Cricket Australia, Swimming Australia, Surfing Australia, and Basketball Queensland to support his impacful research.

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!!

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!

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!

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

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!!

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

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 community.

In this episode we discus recent projects and developments in coaching and skill acquisition. Key topics included contributions to a forthcoming Routledge book on the Elite Player Performance Plan, exploring relationalism, positionalism, and practical applications for academy and professional sport. 

We also discuss Darren Hughes’ work applying ecological principles to practice design. The group reflected on shifting approaches within academies, growing interest in representative practice design, and the challenges coaches face in balancing theory and application. They also discussed Fabian Otte's POST framework for structuring training, adaptability in coaching, and how emotion and context shape player learning. Enjoy!!

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.