The Talent Equation Podcast

In this episode of The Talent Equation, I reconnect with Andy Kirkland from the University of Stirling to explore how our sporting systems both help and hinder talent development. Andy shares insights from his chapter in "Reimagining Talent Development in Sport" and introduces the concept of 'salutogenesis' - focusing on what creates health and well being rather than what causes harm. Three key takeaways:Our current talent development systems often prioritise preventing harm rather than creating healthy environments where people can thrive and grow.Coaches bear huge responsibility for guiding young people through developmental journeys but are frequently under-resourced and lack essential knowledge about human development.We need to shift from resource-heavy "barrier" approaches to more ecological systems that empower individuals to navigate challenges while providing appropriate support.Join our learning community of forward-thinking coaches and talent developers by heading to www.thetalentequation.co.uk and clicking the 'join a learning group' button to become part of The Guild of Ecological Explorers.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

In this episode I reconnect with Dr. Andrew Wilson, Reader in Psychology at Leeds Beckett University and a leading voice in ecological psychology in sport. We delve into the fascinating world of affordances, skill development, and the complex challenge of transfer of learning in sport. Andrew brilliantly explains how our traditional understanding of skill acquisition often misses the mark, and why an ecological approach offers a more complete picture of how humans actually learn and develop skill.Three Key Takeaways:The overlap between training and performance contexts that enables transfer of learning is primarily in the information about affordances. When designing practice, focus on ensuring the right information is present rather than prescribed movement patterns.Variability in movement and practice isn't noise to be eliminated but rather a crucial signal that helps develop adaptable, creative performers. The best athletes aren't those who repeat identical movements but those who can respond to dynamic, ever-changing affordances.The ecological approach to coaching might benefit from being framed as an "affordance-led approach" rather than "constraints-led," highlighting how affordances define what counts as functional movement and serve as the primary constraint on motor abundance.Join my learning group 'The Guild of Ecological Explorers' by heading to www.thetalentequation.co.uk and clicking the 'join a learning group' button.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

In this ‘Dog Walk Diary' episode, I dive deep into how narratives and slogans shape coaching approaches and talent development, particularly examining how research concepts like the "10,000-hour rule" and "talent needs trauma" get oversimplified and sometimes misapplied in practice. I explore the tension between evidence-informed practice and harmful performance narratives, advocating for a more nuanced "talent needs turbulence" approach that values challenge without crossing into potentially damaging territory. Key takeaways: - How Ericsson's deliberate practice research was popularised but oversimplified through Gladwell's "10,000-hour rule," shifting focus from quality to quantity - Why catchy three-word slogans like "talent needs trauma" can be problematic when they justify harsh coaching practices in performance environments - The importance of researchers taking responsibility for how their work is presented and the real-world consequences of their messaging If you're interested in joining more conversations about ecological approaches to coaching, join my learning group 'The Guild of Ecological Explorers' by heading to www.thetalentequation.co.uk and clicking on the 'join a learning group' button.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

I had a fascinating conversation with Bren Veziroglu about ecological dynamics and how it's transforming coaching and movement practice. Bren's journey from a self-described "skinny, unathletic" teen to becoming an influential voice in movement education reveals powerful insights about skill development and learning. Three key takeaways from our conversation:Traditional drilling approaches develop technique but not true skill. By understanding that skill emerges from the dynamic interaction between the person and their environment, we can design more effective practice methods.The ecological approach creates more joy and engagement in learning, making practice not only more effective but inherently rewarding. When activities are task-led rather than drill-led, both coaches and athletes experience more flow.Developing physiological capabilities is important, but these should be built through functional movements aligned with the actual demands of the activity, rather than isolated exercises with questionable transfer.To continue exploring these ideas with like-minded coaches and practitioners, join my learning group 'The Guild of Ecological Explorers' by heading to www.thetalentequation.co.uk and clicking the 'join a learning group' button.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

I recently had the absolute pleasure of recording a conversation with Dr. Julia Blau and Dr. Jeffrey Wagman, authors of "An Introduction to Ecological Psychology: A Lawful Approach to Perceiving, Acting, and Cognising." Our conversation explored how humans actually perceive and interact with the world around them and question the traditional assumptions about psychology which suggests that we need to create mental representations of the world before we can act. Julia and Jeff shared insights on how the ecological approach transforms our understanding of human movement, and we contextualise this to enpack how we might better provide opportunities for young people to develop their abilities in sport and physical activity.  We discussed how creating rich, varied environments allows people to develop their own solutions to movement problems. This approach promotes agency, enjoyment, and ultimately better performance across many fields from sports coaching to education. Key Takeaways:Ecological psychology views perception and action as directly connected - we don't need to build internal models of the world to interact with it effectively.Variability in practice isn't something to eliminate; it's actually essential for developing adaptable skills that work in changing environments.When teaching movement skills, focus on helping people recognise when something feels right rather than precisely dictating the movements they should make.If you're interested in joining a community where we explore these concepts further, join our learning group 'The Guild of Ecological Explorers' by heading to www.thetalentequation.co.uk and clicking on the 'join a learning group' button.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

I recently had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Paddy McQueen from Swansea University to discuss a fascinating paper he had authored exploring the ethical dilemmas of supporting talented children. Our conversation explored the philosophical questions about childhood, talent development, and the responsibilities we have as parents, coaches and policy makers. Paddy introduced me to three different views of childhood - 'the sapling view' (seeing childhood merely as preparation for adulthood), 'the fruit view' (seeing childhood as superior to adulthood), and 'the caterpillar view' (seeing childhood and adulthood as distinctly valuable stages). These perspectives create different frameworks for thinking about how we should approach the sport experience for children.We discussed the tension between prioritising intrinsic childhood goods like free play, fun and social connection, versus instrumental goods that prepare children for adult success. The conversation revealed how deeply our cultural mindset about childhood affects the decisions we make in youth sports—often leading to an industrialised approach that sacrifices childhood experiences for potential future achievements that statistically few will attain. My three key takeaways from the conversation:How we view childhood fundamentally shapes our approach to talent development—each perspective (sapling, fruit, or caterpillar) leads to different choices.The sacrifices required for "talent maximisation" often undermine intrinsic childhood goods that cannot be recovered later in life.Playful, enjoyable sporting experiences may actually be more effective for skill development than highly structured, adult-centric training methods.If you found these ideas thought-provoking, I invite you to join my learning group called 'The Guild of Ecological Explorers' by heading to www.thetalentequation.co.uk and clicking on the 'join a learning group' button. There you'll connect with others who are exploring these connections between philosophy, psychology, and sports developmentBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

Mark and I welcome Alan Keane to the show for an in depth discussion around the intersection of PDS and Ecological Dynamics, how Alan builds an unique open and trusting relationship between him and his assistant coach and also whether we have absolutes more objective moral rules guiding our practice.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

In this episode I speak with tennis coach Steve Whelan about his transformative journey from traditional technical coaching to an ecological, constraints-led approach. Coming from a football and multi sport coaching background, Steve describes how his unorthodox path led him to question conventional coaching wisdom. After 18 years of frustration trying to conform to rigid technical models, Steve discovered the power of game-based learning and player-led exploration. He shares candid insights about the disconnect between traditional coaching and actual match performance, why children thrive when given freedom to explore, and how embracing uncertainty has not only made him a better coach but a happier person. Key Takeaways:Tennis coaching has become overly focused on technical perfection at the expense of developing adaptable, creative players who love the game.Creating meaningful learning environments where players solve problems themselves builds more resilient competitors than prescriptive technical instruction.Traditional coaching approaches often cause unnecessary stress for both coaches and players, while ecological approaches empower both to find joy in the learning process.Join The Guild of Ecological Explorers by heading to www.thetalentequation.co.uk and clicking on the 'join a learning group' button to connect with like-minded coaches across various sports who are exploring alternative approaches to skill development.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

Out on my morning dog walk (yes, the one where I have to put the flashing collar on my black dog ‘Flo' so we can be seen in the dark!), I found myself reflecting on what I call the "eighth waste" in organisations - the waste of human potential. Drawing on Toyota's management principles, I explore why so many of us in workforce development struggle to make our case to leadership, despite knowing just how vital our work is. If you're working in coaching, workforce development, or people development roles and sometimes feel your impact isn't fully understood by those above you, I think you'll find both practical insights here and, importantly, a reminder that you're not alone. I'll share my thoughts on how we can bridge the gap between development professionals and leadership, turning our frustrations into productive action. I'll also tell you about two communities I've created where you can connect with others facing similar challenges: the Guild of Pedagogical Explorers and our new initiative, The Cobbler's Children. Because sometimes, the best solutions come from supporting each other. Duration: 45 minutes Tags: #WorkforceDevelopment #LeadershipDevelopment #SportsDevelopment #ProfessionalDevelopmentBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

In today's episode, I'm thrilled to welcome back Richard Shorter, also known as 'Non-Perfect Dad', for a deep-dive conversation that every sports parent needs to hear. Rich brings his unique perspective as both a Baptist minister and a "conversation architect" who works with sports organisations, schools, and families to navigate the complex world of sports parenting. We explore the challenging emotional landscape parents face when supporting young athletes - from managing our own reactions on the sidelines to making tough decisions about how much to push or protect. I share some personal stories about parenting my own kids in sport, and Rich offers brilliant insights about what he calls the "undisciplined squads of emotion" that we all face as sports parents.Key Timestamps: 

Mark shares the PDS Action Review process and we discuss how coaches and leaders an use it to review performance but also how it is used for athletes, employees, etc can use it to self review. This then becomes a foundational aspect of the way that organisations communicate leading to a shared dialogue about performance that becomes part of the normal fabric of organisational life. To enter our competition to win 1 to 1 coaching with Mark. Subscribe to Mark's website - pdscoaching.com Subcribe to our youtube channel and type 'Count me in' in the comments before next episode on 22nd January.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

In this special New Year's Eve episode, I welcomed back Shawn Myszka and Tyler Yearby from Emergence to discuss a recent academic paper criticising ecological dynamics and many of researchers and practitioners working in the space. The article is called "Ecological Dynamics as an Accurate and Parsimonious Contributor to Applied Practice: A Critical Appraisal" by Dave Collins, Howie Carson, Par Rylander and Ray Bobrownicki. I invited Shawn and Tyler onto the show because I wanted them to be given an opportunity to address the callous misrepresentation in the direct driticism they made regarding Shawn and Tyler's work on Bruce Lee's alignment with ecological principles. The conversation evolved into a broader discussion about the future of ecological dynamics in coaching science and the emerging role of skill acquisition specialists in professional sports. Five Key PointsThe ecological community continues to grow, with practitioners across different fields finding value in applying these principles. It is interesting to note that Collins is authoring this criticism while at the same time promoting a book that embraces ideas from ecological dynamics. The paper misrepresented Shawn and Tyler's research about Bruce Lee, claiming they altered quotes to fit their argument when in fact they had been explicitly transparent about their modifications and reasoning.There's a fundamental misunderstanding about combining traditional and ecological approaches - you can't simply cherry-pick elements without considering the underlying theoretical foundations. Anyone who suggests that you can do this is either being dishonest or they don't understand the basic assumptions of the ecological theory. The role of skill acquisition specialists is becoming increasingly important in professional sports, with a growing recognition that these positions need to be fully integrated into organisational structures.You can pick and choose methods but you can't pick and choose thoeries. If one theory is directly opposed the the ideas of another theory - trying to suggest that you can mix the two together is just academic populism. Three Key Quotes "Don't throw stones at people that are not throwing stones back at you. I'm just trying to advance the field." - Tyler Yearby "You can't be a vegan and have the odd bacon sandwich... you can't have your theoretical cake and eat it." - Stuart Armstrong "It's just their cop-out way of not actually having these types of interactions and instead hiding behind the keyboard and maybe a research journal paywall... that shows the disingenuous nature of what they're doing." Shawn Myszka Note: This episode was recorded on New Year's Eve 2024 with Shawn Myszka and Dr. Tyler Yearby from EmergenceEmergence websiteShawn and Tyler's Article The ArticleBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

Mark and I get together before Christmas to talk about how this time of year offers the opportunity to recharge and replenish ourselves in order to embody excellence for others going forward. We talk about how being 'selfless' requires us to be 'selfish'. Also Mark makes an announcement about our New Year giveaway.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

Mark and I talk about the origins of PDS from his time in the military and how we came together to embed the principles of PDS across the sporting landscape. We also discuss my own commitments and some conversations we have had about honouring my own journey of change.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

Taking an ecological approach to learning science, Danny Hatcher is an independent researcher currently based in the UK, sharing interesting trends and stories domestically and from around the globe. Danny holds a BSc in Sports Coaching and an MSc in Strength and Conditioning from Brighton UniversityDanny's YouTube channel is amazing...it blends rigorous research with animation to create content that explains complex issues in relatable ways - I highly recomend checking it out. https://www.youtube.com/@Danny.HatcherIn this conversation Danny shares his unique approach to trampolining, blending ecological dynamics with a passion for movement exploration. From his lived experience of visual and hearing impairments and how this shapes his coaching appproach to his work in both traditional and freestyle trampolining. Danny also offers insights into coaching diverse athletes and how his playful, inclusive methodology fosters personal growth and adaptability, making trampolining accessible and fun for all. This is a fascinating conversation and one I am sure you will enjoy. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

In this conversation Mark and I discuss the challenge of establishing real clarity of the objectives that a person or group wants to set for themselves. We then discuss how easy it is for the leader to fall into the trap of letting them off the hook. We discuss ways that leaders can lean into the discomfort of the difficult conversation by reframing the awkwardness as a 'duty' and an act of care rather than a point of conflict. We also explore how leaders can frame the expectations in terms of how people interact with each other to minimise conflict and create a 'high challenge - high support' environment. Mark and I are available to support groups or individuals on their leadership and coaching excellence journey. Please reach out to stuart@thetalentequation.co.uk to shape a bespoke package. You can get 25% discount to access Mark's online learning space to immerse yourself in all things PDS using this code PBNO25Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

Andrea Andrews is a swimming instructor with a specialist research interest in drowning prevention. Andrea describes herself like this... "My aim is to improve the lived human experience in water by helping all ages make sense of the water through natural learner-led approaches that trigger the amazing hidden skills we are all born with.I am in effect focused upon panic prevention by helping everyone overcome emotional dysregulation in water....I am a scaffolder for an elite form of human aquatic prowes..." Andrea joined me to discuss her unique approach to helping people learn to swim which is informed by the ecological approach.  Andrea explains how her childhood experiences of play in water shaped her approach to teaching and instructing and how she has been passionate about offering similar experiences to others. In this episode we cover:  - How people have an 'embodied trauma' that fuels a phobia of water.  - How babies are actually very adapted to water.  - How people sense differently in water and how verbal instructions lead to people using the wrong sensory apparatus. - How traditional teaching could actually be dangerous and lead to increased risk of drowning. and so much more... This is an absolutely fascinating conversation - I hope you enjoyBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

A new collaboration between Mark Bennett MBE and Stuart Armstrong that looks at topical news items and explore how they impact people in sport, education, business and life through the lens of the PDS philosophy and the principles of Ecological Dynamics. Mark and I got cut off by our recording software crashing but we thought we would publish the rough cut anyway!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

David Thomson is an ex army veteran who became a leading financial advisor turned education technology entrepreneur. David is the Founder and CEO of 'Suada' a game changing learning platform that combines the

Troy Urdahl is an award winning high school athletic director, a hall of fame coach and a college professor with more than twenty years experience in leadership and coaching. He is now an accomplished author of a fantastic book called 'Chasing Influence' which uses storytelling as a means to put forward lessons about leadership. Troy shares his journey from a sports-filled childhood to advocating for multi-sport participation, and delves into the philosophy of coaching with an emphasis on 'why' we coach and building life skills through sports. We talk about the balance between high expectations and support, the power of resilience, and the significance of 'soft skills' in coaching. Additionally, discover concepts like the Finnish notion of 'Sisu' (which roughly translates into 'never giving up'), allyship in sports and Troy's thoughts on the universal value of creating a culture that prioritises relationships over winning.Hope you enjoy. Want to learn with me and a global network of committed individuals that come together to sense make and wayfind together....Join 'The Guild' - a learning community of ecological explorers https://patreon.com/thetalentequation?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLinkBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

Stuart Morgan is a high performance coach and performance director working with elite golfers and aspiring players across Europe. Stuart makes a welcome return to the podcast for another frank and forthright conversation about the state of coaching and athlete development. He is also a co host on the brillient 'Practice Thinker' podcast alongside Ian Renshaw and Peter Arnott. In this conversation we discuss Stuart's experiences working in multi disciplinary teams and uncovers some of the toxicity that surrounds some of these environments. Stuart also shares his experiences of working as a Performance Director and how he has uncovered coaches that have very little understanding of their approach and how he encourages players to be more questioning of their coaches to avoid path dependency. We discuss the latest state of skill acquisition and also get into a deep dive around the way that he field has emerged and the lack of awareness among the vast majority of coaches. It's a really fascinating conversation that I am sure you will enjoy. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

In this episode, I discuss the changing nature of coach education, particularly focusing on the concept of 'deconstructed delivery.' As we move towards more learner-centered models in education, it's crucial to rethink the delivery methods to tailor them to individual needs. I explore the challenges of implementing these models at scale, the limitations of traditional education systems, and the new suite of professional standards in the UK that bring flexibility and transferability in qualifications. The discussion also touches on the necessity of continuous professional development and how adopting a deconstructed, individualized approach can transform the sports workforce and improve outcomes for participants.01:36 What does 'learner centred' even mean? 03:50 Why don't people do this already? 05:18 Barriers to change08:08 How professional standards open up new opportunities for a more dynamic, learner centred model11:50 Deconstructed Learning: A New Approach13:56 RIP CPDIf you would like to discuss any of the content in this episode or any of the other episodes please get in touch through LinkedIn or at stuart@thetalentequation.co.ukBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

Tom Hartley is the Coaching Lead at UK Coaching and Foundation Phase Lead Coach at Oxford United women. In this very overdue episode (aren't they all!) I sit down with Tom Hartley to explore his extensive background in coaching and player development.Tom discusses his journey in coaching including pivotal career moments at clubs like Swindon Town and Arsenal, and unique experiences such as coaching in prisons and internationally. We discuss some of his coaching influences and also expore some of the creative ways that he develops coaches. 01:38 Career journey17:37 The role of a coach developer - 'having someone hold onto you while you lean over the edge'45:30 Creative coach development - 'jelly beans and cocktail sticks'49:45 How we can support community coaches to 'collect memories rather than medals'01:04:50 Designing effective individual development plans01:13:48 Parents as a 'multi-disciplinary team'01:16:41 Conclusion and future conversationsSupport the show on Patreon or join my learning community: https://www.patreon.com/thetalentequation Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support

In Episode 6 of the Coach Education is Broken series, I discuss the need for a significant shift in the way we think about and approach coach education by embracing the natural complexity that comes with people operating in a range of contexts. I represent the views of coach educators, system builders and coaches themselves that we need to move beyond linear development pathways, particularly if we want to engage those working in community settings with individuals that experience social and/or economic disadvantage. I would love to hear your thoughts about this and would be keen to help any organisations that are looking to tackle some of these challenges. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview01:57 Understanding the Linear Coach Development Journey04:43 Challenges in Recognizing Expertise in Youth Coaching09:52 The Need for Non-Linear Coach Development 12:03 Addressing Diversity and Inclusion in Coach Education16:21 Reforming Curriculum Design for Coaches19:34 Conclusion and Call to ActionBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

Alex Lascu is a cricket coach that has doen in depth acadmeic study in coaching and skill development before turning her attention to coach development. She now works for one of the major state sports associations in Australia. Alex joined me to discuss all things coach educationa and development having listened to my recent 'Coach Education is broken series'. Through the discussion we explore some of the 'system shifts' that I have been covering and how they manifest into her work within cricket. We look at some of the practical solutions that are being implemented and how they seek to address the need to reducce the burden on coaches through enhanced support. I hope you enjoy...Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

Reposting a classic episode!  ------- This was recorded to reflect on the journey of the England Football Team during the previous European Championships but it still feels apt today in the wake of another final appearance and Gareth Southgate's tenure as Head Coach coming to an end. I have been fortunate to spend time with Gareth Southgate, the England Head Coach on a couple of occasions and I was able to glean some insights from those interactions that I think are relevant to the success that the team are currently enjoying and would be useful for any coach. Hope you enjoy! *GB actually won 1 gold medal in Atlanta (not 1 bronze as I said in the recording) among a total medal haul of 15. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podca....

In Episode 5 of the 'Coach Education is Broken' series,' I explore the importance of addressing systemic barriers in the sports workforce that mean that the worksforce continues to lack diversity. This episode delves into real-world examples of how local community engagement can drive participation, social impact, and talent development but how this can only happen by utilising the qualities, skills and attributes of coaches from within that local community. Through a compelling story of a martial arts club in a deprived area, I showcase the importance of localised, bottom-up approaches to coaching and education and the impact it can have on the lives of young people. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:23 Understanding Workforce Diversity01:55 The Importance of Local Community Coaches05:19 Challenges Faced by Unqualified Coaches11:27 Decentralising Education for Greater Impact14:44 Call to Action and ConclusionBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

In episode 4 of the 'Coach Education is Broken' series, titled 'Fixing the Leaky Bucket,' I delve into the systemic and mindset shifts required to change and modernise the way that the sport sector develops it's frontline workforce. I call for better insight and data collection to inform decision making into coach education and I challenge the isector's over emphasis on recruiting new coaches instead of focussing on how we support and retain the skilled practitioners that we already have. 01:50 - The Problem with Coach Education insights02:44 - Understanding Coach Supply and Demand07:00 - Retention Challenges in Coaching08:55 - Shifting Focus to Retention and SupportBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

Mauro van de Looij is a sports coach and performance psychologist from the Netherlands. He has worked as a youth coach at PSV Eindhoven and Willem II Tilburg and he teaches Performance Psychology at Fontys University of Applied Psychology and he coaches athletes, trainers, students and teachers. He also supports sports clubs, schools and companies in coaching and talent development. Mauro joins me to talk about his book 'https://amzn.to/3xJyG36' which is a book that is dedicated to supporting coaches to understand more about how they can unlock young athletes potential by recognising the psychological elements that are too often overlooked and can be so impactful on a young players career.  In this conversation we cover:  - How his own experineces dealing with pressure shaped his approach to coaching.  - How he got rid of the Relative Age Effect by not playing in age group teams.  - How we coined a new term - 'talent needs turbulence'.  - Why so many coaches would say to him "I wish I got this on the coaching badges".  Buy the book using this https://amzn.to/3xJyG36 (it helps to support the show.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

Alex Sarama makes a welcome return to the podcast to discuss his fantastic new book 'Transforming Basketball' and to unpack some of the ideas that are within it. Although Alex is a basketball coach and the book is based on Basketball, it is actually a briliiant read for coaches of any sport, especially team sports. This conversation explores many of these ideas including: Why '2 ball dribbling' is a complete waste of timeWhy coaches are so dependent on blocked practice and drillsWhen, how and why to use set playsSome of Alex's brillient practice designs like 'floor is lava', 'mosquito shooting' and 'jungle shooting'. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did. Use this link to get a copy of Alex's book (I get a small commission which helps to support the show). Support the show on Patreon or join my learning community 'The Guild' hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

In this episode, I talk about the necessity for a system shift from a coach education system that is almost completely dominated by 'qualifications', which are no more than a demonstration of competence in a moment in time to a more development and progressive model that recognises the expertise of the practitioner along their developmental journey. A significant majority of coaches want the industry to recognised as a profession and would like the work they do to be recognised by the wider public. In order to do this coaches must understand that in order to be professional recognised they need to hold themselves accountable to a process of ongoing scrutiny of their skill set so that the public can be assured of their commitment to professional development and those coaches who do show commitment to personal development can be truly separated from those that don't. Hope you enjoy the podcast and look forward to comments or ideas. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

Mark Bennett makes a welcome return to the podcast. This time to help me out with some challenges that I have experienced during my last season of coaching. How to establish an agreed set of performance behaviours with a group that is equally spilt between wanting to be recreational and wanting to be driven by performance goals. We also explore how you deal with people who are self deluded and think that they want to be performance driven but then behave like recreational athletes. Mark shares a few new tools that he uses when supporting a group to be self reliant and self organising inclusing the 3As I got a lot out of the discussion...I hope you do to...BTW - Mark has launched a new online training space with loads of courses, videos and resources check it out at https://www.needcentred.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

Richard Burcuson and Dean Holden are the hosts of the Grass Roots Minor Hockey Podcast. A show dedicated to all things grass roots ice hockey in Canada and beyond... As they describe it... "A provocative, in-depth podcast that examines the world of minor hockey, from coaching to program development to the myriad of issues faced by everyone in the game." The guys reached out to me following my latest series called 'Coach Education is broken' as it resonated with many of their own experiences as coaches and coach educators and we decided to do a 'simulcast' which would be jointly posted oon our respective podcasts.  Richard evoked the famous Monty Python sketch about a dead parrot when describing this topic so we decided to get all theatrical and do our own reading of the famous sketch...https://www.grassrootsminorhoc...Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

In this episode I call for a complete rethink about the way that we think about support for coaches. I suggest that we need to 'turn the telescope around' and start to consider the skills, knowledge, and understanding that coaches already possess, rather than forcing everybody to obtain formal qualifications through coach education courses. I share a story about a brilliant coach I know who hasn't gone down the route of formal certifications, yet their coaching abilities are second to none. They're the kind of coach who, despite lacking the official badges, has that 'secret sauce', that ability to connect with people and make their experience memorable. We need a shift in mindset within coach education to appreciate and support people based on their current expertise and experiences. It's about creating tailored learning experiences, recognising prior learning, and making coaching more accessible to a wider range of people. As I said in the episode, “It's not about the piece of paper; it's about the real-world impact a coach has.”Ultimately, the coaching community is calling for a more inclusive approach in coach education not the 'one size fits all' model that is still too prevalent. A move towards effective and personalised support, ensuring every coach can thrive and contribute in their own way. By doing this, we can build a stronger, more diverse coaching community.Hope you enjoy the episode as much as I enjoyed recording it. Let's keep pushing for change and making a real difference in the world of coaching.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

Episode 1 of 'Coach Education is broken' - 'Transformation not transaction' I take a hard look at the nature of coach education courses as a machanism to provide coaches with the kind of support they need. I criticise the thinking behind this approach and the 'culturally resient practices and beliefs' that fosters their continued use. This focus on efficiency means that coaches often get their qualifications without genuinely engaging with the material or retaining what they've learned. As a result, they're left unprepared for the real-world challenges they will face in their coaching careers.I call for a shift towards newer, more agile and dynamic educational approaches that prioritise quality learning experiences and practical application.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

A new dog walk diary where I begin a new multi part series talking about all of the ways that coach education and development needs to change to meet the needs of a new generation of learners.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

Scott Young makes an extremely welcome return to the podcast having written a new book about learning that follows up on the smash hit 'Ultralearning'. 'Get Better at Anything' has a different flavour as it takes us on a more practical journey to explore the development of skill in multiple domains. I was gripped by this conversation as we explored: What Tetris players can teach us about getting better.Why the mind is not a muscle! Why we should value variability over repetition.Why improvement is not a straight line. Why practice must meet reality. Amongst a whole heap of other things. I hope you enjoy as much as I did. Link to Scott's podcast Link to the blog and newsletter Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

In this episode I am joined by Josh Peacock from 'Combat Learning' and the 'Combat Learning Podcast'. Combat Learning is about radically improving teachers and learners of martial arts using the ecological approach to training. They explore the little-known frontiers of skill adaptation, perceptual-motor learning, and human performance science for combat sports.As Josh says...."After teaching martial arts for several years, I realised that most instruction is based on unexamined traditions handed down from one instructor to another. Little to no science or research is ever incorporated…Hungry to explore ways to improve myself as an instructor, I set off to study educational psychology and motor learning. In that process, I discovered the games-based and constraints-led approaches to coaching, which are radically different methodologies than what I had seen anywhere in my career as a martial artist…In fact, these methodologies are built around designing practice exercises that allow students to explore the solutions to problems on their own, rather than teaching them solutions directly or having them do lots of technique repetitions". It's a fascinating conversation about the challenges of tackling tradition and culturally resilient beliefs. Hope you enjoyBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

This episode features guest Kevin Mulcahy from Cork, Ireland, who is an S&C coach with experience coaching Gaelic Football and Hurling. The episode explores... The historical context of these sports and their contemporary changes, including rule standardisation and the impact of lighter balls on game dynamics.Challenges in youth sports development, such as facility access and the influence of successful teams on community participation. How ideas from ecological dynamics are becoming more prevalent across Irish sport and how that is translating to elite success as well as a growth in participation. Kevin shares insights into integrating human movement, strength, and conditioning into Gaelic football coaching and fostering leadership within teams.We explore design principles for training and practice - how Kevin integrates principles of human movement with principles of team dynamics and principles of invasion sports. We discuss how action capacities differ from action capabilities and also look into 'interaction capacities and capabilities'. Hope you enjoy. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

Reflecting on my conversation with Mike Jagacki and some of the thoughts it threw up!!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

This episode is another in my new series focussed on having conversations with people I don't 100% agree with. Mike Jagacki joins me to explore the nuances of his basketball coaching philosophy which takes a 'best of both worlds' approach' trying to integrate ecological ideas with concepts from information processing. Key Themes Discussed:Balancing Coaching Styles: the importance of finding the right mix between structured and flexible coaching approaches. We delve into how aligning coaching philosophies within the staff and incorporating various styles can lead to optimal team performance.Influence of Mentors and Philosophy Integration: The episode highlights how mentors have played a crucial role in shaping Mike's coaching beliefs and practices. We explore the significance of building a solid defensive foundation and how integrating different coaching philosophies enhances player capabilities.Player Development Methodologies: Unpacking the balance between isolated skill drills and game-like contextual training, in fostering player growth. The focus is on the necessity of blending foundational skill-building with decision-making and real-game scenarios for effective skill transfer.Dynamic and Adaptive Training: Training methods that are not only dynamic and adaptive but also encourage creativity. These methods aim to refine specific skills while ensuring they fit within a structured sports system.Building Confidence and Teamwork: We examine the role of drills in fostering confidence, teamwork, and a positive player mentality. The episode also covers how pre-practice rituals can instill core values in players.Overcoming Challenges and Instilling Core Values: From desensitizing players to fear and hesitation to the use of specific terminology for smooth transitions from individual skills to team play. I enjoyed the conversation - I hope you do too. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

So this is a bit of a high risk podcast. I'm joined for my reflective time with Flo the dog by my wife Claire to talk about what it's like to live with me!! She doesn't hold back!! Hope you enjoy Link to my podcast with Jamie Edwards https://www.spreaker.com/episo...Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

Adrian Sapp is a basketball coach from Ontario in Canada. He runs a basketball programme called 'Eco Hoops' which states in it's mission statement..."EcoHoops, driven by a mission to transform youth basketball, places the utmost emphasis on nurturing the whole child. Central to our philosophy is the mental and emotional well-being of every young athlete, ensuring a positive, safe, and joy-filled basketball experience." I thought that I need to get Sdrian on to have a chat and explore his story. We delve into the following topics: How Steph Curry is a product of envionemntal constraints.Adrian's challenges to get parents and other coaches to embrace the appoach.How discovering the ecological approach helped him go from being critical and miserable to engaging and joyful.How learning about Growth Mindset from his child's school homework acted as the 'gateway' to an ecological worldview.Link to the Eco Hoops Website Link to the X account I hope you enjoy. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

Today, I am thrilled to welcome Phil Kearney back to the podcast. Phil is a renowned figure in the field of sports science, with a particular focus on skill acquisition and talent development. He brings a wealth of experience from his work as the course director for a master's program in applied sports coaching at the University of Limerick in Ireland. Key Takeaways:Impact of Coaches' Beliefs: how coaches' beliefs not only affect their coaching behaviors but also the transfer of life skills beyond the playing field. Phil underlines the necessity for coaches to critically assess their own beliefs and integrate evidence-based practices.Theoretical Understanding in Coaching: Understanding various coaching theories, such as ecological dynamics, cognitive psychology, and game-based methods, is essential for effective practice. Phil emphasizes the need for coaches to be well-versed in these theories to enhance their coaching styles.Professional judgement and decision making (PJDM) in coaching: we umpack this concept and debate it's value as a construct to support coaching practice. Hope you enjoyBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative world of talent development within England Hockey by welcoming back Brett Holland and Sean Kitson, two previous podcast guests and who share their experiences and approaches to nurturing young talent in the sport of field hockey.Main Themes:The shift from a centralised system to a more flexible, decentralized approach, recognizing the individuality of athletes' development paths.The challenges and benefits of non-linear athlete development, emphasizing the need for multiple entry points and pathways for young players.The significance of customising coaching strategies to suit individual needs and the deliberate actions taken to enhance talent development.A clear understanding of objectives across different environments, such as school clubs and junior academies.Integration of competition into training as a means to measure progress and the importance of competition in sports overall.The necessity for a collaborative effort in the talent development ecosystem, guided by a comprehensive talent system framework.I hope you enjoyBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

Jordan Cassidy (MSc) has worked across the globe since September 2013, from Ireland, to Hong Kong, to the UK, and now in Brisbane, Australia. He has worked all over the world in roles such as a sports scientist, athletic development coach, and physical education teacher. ​Jordan is currently conducting research in skill acquisition and coaching at Queensland University of Technology, while working as a coach and player development consultant for clubs and schools across Queensland.Jordan and I get together to discuss a blog post he wrote at his website www.skilledathleticism.com which I was keen to unpack and explore. There are some 'headscratchers' in the article for me that I was keen to understand more and see where our point of agreement was. I hope you see from this conversation that it is very possible to have different viewpoints and still have a productive conversation that moves our understanding further. I hope you enjoy.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

Andrea Enrich popped by to chat about his new book, '50 tipe sof rintelligent players - Vol 2' It is brillient and full of really powerful insights for players of all invasion games. There are some specific elements to field hockey and stick based sports but most of it applies more generally. We talk about 'Leading like Michael Jackson''Rutuals are not superstitions''Using Video Intelligenly' 'Visualise tragendies not commedies'I hope you enjoy the conversationBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-talent-equation-podcast/support.

A proper deep reflection about a massive failure trying to be child first with a large group and it's impact on my interactions with a neurodiverse child that I am still reflecting on and trying to come to terms with!

Graeme McDowall holds an MPhil degree in Sports Coaching Education from the University of Birmingham. He is a lecturer at the SRUC in Scotland and an associate lecturer in Sport and Exercise with the Open University. Graeme is made a welcome return to the show to explore the opportunities and challenges of using 2 touch in training. But before we get to that, we discuss his thoughts on golf coaching, how we can create better experiences by learning from the creative approaches of musicians and also some of the key insights from his new book 'The System' which explores the history of Scottish football and what it means for player development today. Subscribe to Graeme's substack here https://mcdowall.substack.com/Check out the new book 'The System: What we can learn when science and reason collide with scittish football'.Also check out Graeme's other book - 'A Constraints Led Approach to Golf Coaching'

This week's guest is Andrew Sheaff, a swimming coach who has embraced the concept of non linear pedagogy and the constraints led approach in to his practice. So much so that he was invited by Professor Keith Davids to collaborate on a book all about the constraints led approach in swimming. If you go onto Andrew's website you will see the following passage..."It is extremely challenging to help swimmers to develop the skills to win races...It's overwhelming to try to teach skills to every athlete, particlulalry when it seems like no on is listening...And everything that's learned seems to disappear when it's time to start training, or when it really counts in the championship races that matter...The solution isn't to get better at what you are doing...You don't need new drills, you don't need new cues, you don't need an expensive new video system...You need a different approach!" I couldn't agree more!!This is a fascinating conversation from a genuine coaching pioneer and innovator...a coaching outlier!

Dr Paul Gamble is the founder of 'Informed Practitioner in Sport' a platform dedicated to supporting talent developers with high quality information that help them to design better environments for young people to explore the limits of their potential (he's my kind of specialist!). Paul joined me to talk about his latest book 'Sports Parenting: Negotiating the challenges of the youth sports journey to help kids thrive'. 'Sports Parenting' takes a deep dive to explore how parents can best support young performers, whether they aspire to reach the highest level or simply wish to enjoy the positive social, developmental and life-long health aspects.The book aims to provide readers with the knowledge to discern the best ways to support kids to negotiate the various challenges they face in their youth sports participation. Beyond supporting the aspiring high performer, an over-arching theme is how we can help kids to stay on the path and prevent them falling through the cracks along the way.This is a great conversation that I found super inteesting. I hope you do too.