Learning To Be an “Ecological” Coach: Developing Attuned & Adaptable Coaching Skills

by Rob Gray

How can you become an “ecological coach”? That is, learn to coach in a manner consistent with the new, evidence-based theory of skill acquisition and refinement, discussed in the bestselling books “How We Learn to Move” and “Learning to Optimize Movement”. In this, the third book in the series, the focus turns to skill acquisition and development in coaches. Learn to design effective, challenging, and engaging practice environments. Learn to use the Constraints-Led Approach. Use instruction, cueing, and demonstration more effectively. Vary practice difficulty and variability to challenge your athletes at the optimal level. Learn to observe movement to pick up key invariants and the affordances available to your athletes. Incorporate the latest technology and scientific research into your coaching.

361 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 4, 2024

Reviews

[Kyle Dupic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Might be my favorite book in series. I was often recommending How We Learn to Move for coaches who are first time learners in the EcoD sphere. But this one explained many of the basic concepts while also giving some practical guides to help the coach explore the space of manipulating constraints and becoming a more adaptable coach, without giving a bunch of answers.

[Steve Brophy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical theory

Rob does a brilliant job of building a bridge between the theoretical and practical. As a lover of both, I was really keen to read about how Rob applies his research into his own work. A must read for all coaches.

[Joshua Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although the writing can be a bit heady at times, this is an excellent framework for teaching in a constraints-led approach or the ecological approach as it is also called.

[Kyle Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book in the series. Practical advice for coaches. I finally have “knowledge of” coaching. Typos and editing improvements would help this book convey its message clearer

[Jack Tickle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good. Just a shame it focused so much on baseball n quite boring sports (in my eyes)