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Send us a text In this episode, coach Jav breaks down the most common mistakes coaches make in agility training—and why many popular drills fail to transfer to sport. Inspired by a recent Six of the Best contribution with Sportsmith (Emergence Co-founder Shawn, Myszka was also featured), the the episode centers on a core problem: coaches often give athletes the answers instead of setting real problems to solve. Jav explains why repetition without context limits adaptability, why randomness alone isn’t enough, and how poor information sources—like verbal cues, lights, or inanimate objects—can disconnect training from competition. He closes with three practical shifts coaches can make immediately to design more effective, sport-relevant agility environments. This episode is for coaches who want to move beyond scripted drills and develop truly adaptable athletes. Don’t forget: The Modern Coach's Planner is now back in stock!!  https://thecoachjav.com/products/modern-coach-planner Support & Contact If you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with another coach or athlete who’d appreciate it.  You can reach Coach Jav on social media at @thecoachjav or by email at [email protected] Resources & Links The podcast on YouTubeSportsmith The Adaptable Athlete Podcast:EmergenceCredits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat! Twitter: @thecoachjav IG: @thecoachjav

Send us a text The Modern Coach's Planner — built for coaches who think differently — Back! Order yours today at: https://thecoachjav.com/products/modern-coach-planner In this episode, coach Jav sits down with Rob Gray to explore what comes after the basics of ecological dynamics and the constraints-led approach. They discuss why “fundamentals first” thinking continues to persist in sport, how constraints can lose their effectiveness over time, and the difference between developing skill and maintaining it at higher levels of performance. Rob also shares practical insights from his work across multiple sports, including how to scale difficulty, design more representative practice environments, and avoid turning data into rigid technique prescriptions. This conversation is for coaches who are already experimenting with modern approaches and want to go deeper into how athletes actually adapt, learn, and perform. Don’t forget: The Modern Coach's Planner is now available for pre-order at https://thecoachjav.com/products/modern-coach-planner Support & Contact If you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with another coach or athlete who’d appreciate it.  You can reach Coach Jav on social media at @thecoachjav or by email at [email protected] Resources & Links Rob Gray – The Advanced Ecological ApproachRob Gray’s websiteThe Adaptable Athlete Podcast:Emergence Credits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat! Twitter: @thecoachjav IG: @thecoachjav

Send us a text The Modern Coach's Planner — built for coaches who think differently — is now available for pre-order. This is a limited run, and once these copies are gone, they’re gone. Order yours today at: https://thecoachjav.com/products/modern-coach-planner In this episode, Coach Jav sits down with Greg Souders, founder of Standard Jiu-Jitsu, and DeAndre Corbe, one of the top grapplers in the world — the 2024 ADCC West Coast Trials champion and a recent competitor in the Craig Jones Invitational. They explore how an ecological and constraints-led approach is transforming the way athletes learn and perform in Jiu-Jitsu. Over the past few years, ecological dynamics has exploded — and Greg has been one of the leading voices behind that shift, challenging traditional methods and helping coaches rethink what real skill development looks like. Together, Greg and DeAndre unpack the realities of modern coaching — from designing representative environments to building communication, trust, and autonomy between coach and athlete. This episode is a deep look at how modern Jiu-Jitsu is evolving, and what happens when the athlete–coach relationship becomes a true collaboration. Topics Discussed How Greg and DeAndre built their coach–athlete relationshipTransitioning from traditional to ecological Jiu-Jitsu trainingCommunication, trust, and autonomy in coachingManaging competition prep and recoveryWhy “control isn’t coaching” and how autonomy drives growthIf you’re a coach or practitioner interested in skill acquisition, practice design, and building adaptable athletes, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Don’t forget: The Modern Coach's Planner is now available for pre-order at https://thecoachjav.com/products/modern-coach-planner Support & Contact If you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with another coach or athlete who’d appreciate it.  You can reach Coach Jav on social media at @thecoachjav or by email at [email protected] . Resources and Links Standard Jiu-Jitsu: https://standardjiujitsu.comStandard Jiu-Jitsu on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/standardjiujitsu?igsh=MWN5endrZTVud3RwMw==Greg Souders on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gdsouders?igsh=N2VtcjJyMXgwcW82DeAndre Corbe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deandre_corbe/Emergence – The Movement Academy: https://emergentmvmt.comEmergence on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergentmvmt?igsh=Y2JuMm53c3N0bjZhThe Adaptable Athlete Podcast Website:  theadaptableathlete.comCredits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat! Twitter: @thecoachjav IG: @thecoachjav

Send us a text *Checkout the free practice guide at the end of the show notes! For decades, coaches and scientists have used the term skill acquisition — but what if that’s not what’s really happening? In this short episode, we dive into the idea that athletes don’t acquire skill — they adapt it. Inspired by our recent conversation with Duarte Araújo, this concept challenges the traditional view of skill as something stored or possessed, and instead reframes it as a continuous process shaped by the relationship between athlete and environment. We explore how this shift impacts coaching, learning, and even rehabilitation — from how an athlete adapts after injury, to how their movement evolves over time. Have any questions form the Episode? Hit me up on social @thecoachjav or send me an email at [email protected] Download your Free Practice Design Checklist! Episode Resources Episode 113 w/ DuarteDownload the Academic Papers from Duarte What Exactly Is Acquired During Skill Acquisition by Duarte Araújo & Keith DavidsEmergence Website Credits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat! Twitter: @thecoachjav IG: @thecoachjav

Send us a text *Checkout the free practice guide at the end of the show notes! What is skill, really? And what if it’s not something athletes acquire — but something they continuously adapt? In this episode, Duarte Araújo joins us on the pod to unpack one of the most fundamental questions in sport: what does it truly mean to be skillful? Duarte breaks down why “acquisition” is the wrong metaphor, and how coaches can design environments that bring intelligence and creativity to the surface. Together, we explore: The difference between being and becoming in sport performanceWhy skill should be viewed as potential, not possessionHow intentionality, perceptual attunement, and calibration shape learningWhat cognizant action means — and why movement itself is intelligentHow coaches can design tasks that challenge athletes to find their own solutionsWhether you’re a coach, practitioner, or simply curious about how humans learn, this conversation reframes skill as an ongoing relationship between athlete and environment — not a product stored inside the brain. Have any questions form the Episode? Hit me up on social @thecoachjav or send me an email at [email protected] Download your Free Practice Design Checklist! Episode Resources Download the Academic Papers from Duarte Duarte on Research Gate Duarte on XCredits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat! Twitter: @thecoachjav IG: @thecoachjav

Send us a text *Checkout the free practice guide at the end of the show notes! Alan Dunton is a lecturer in Coaching Science and Skill Acquisition at Munster Technological University (MTU) in Cork, Ireland. A former Taekwondo athlete and coach, Alan has spent his career exploring how people learn, adapt, and perform skill under dynamic conditions. In this conversation, we unpack metastability — what it means, how to design for it, and why adaptability is the hallmark of expert performance. In This Episode: Alan’s background in Taekwondo and how it shaped his approach to coachingUnderstanding metastability: from theory to practical applicationExploration vs. stability — what do athletes really need?Designing training environments for adaptabilityThe launch of the new MSc in Skill Acquisition for Sport at MTUThis episode is heavy and theory AND applied information, and I know you will benefit from giving this a listen! Download your Free Practice Design Checklist! Referenced Links: Free Coaching Guide Download → Get it hereMTU MSc in Skill Acquisition for Sport → https://www.mtu.ieAlan Dunton on X → https://x.com/alanduntonEmergence → https://www.emergentmvmt.comThe Adaptable Athlete Podcast on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@thecoachjavCredits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat! Twitter: @thecoachjav IG: @thecoachjav

Send us a text Adam Singer is the head coach of SBG Athens, where he and his brother Rory have been developing fighters for over 25 years.  A longtime practitioner of ecological dynamics in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA, Adam has coached multiple athletes to the highest levels of competition, including two world champions.  He’s also a co-author of a landmark paper on ecological dynamics in combat sports with Shawn Myszka, Tyler Yearby, Scott Sievewright, and Andy Grahn.  Known for blending sharp insight with humor (and reminding everyone he’s both handsome and funny), Adam brings a unique perspective to coaching and skill development. In this episode, we discuss: Why coaching is about relationships and culture first — and how SBG Athens has built that over decadesStories from the gym: balancing intensity with care, developing fighters responsibly, and lessons learned across 25+ years in MMAThe role of exploration and aliveness in training, and why “sloppy” doesn’t always mean wrongWhy there are no shortcuts in adopting an ecological approach, and the pitfalls of surface-level buzzwordsHow Adam’s philosophy challenges traditional pad-work, drill-heavy coaching, and emphasizes problem solving in context If you’re a coach or practitioner interested in skill acquisition, practice design, and building adaptable athletes, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. 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 @[email protected]. Referenced in this episode: SBG AthensEcological Dynamics in Sport Combat — Paper (ResearchGate link)EmergenceWatch full podcast episodes on YouTube → youtube.com/@thecoachjavEpisode Resources: CSAS CertificationAdam Singer on IG   If you’re a coach or practitioner interested in skill acquisition, practice design, and building adaptable athletes, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Credits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat! Twitter: @thecoachjav IG: @thecoachjav

Send us a text Shawn Myszka  (the “Movement Miyagi” )  returns to the pod to discuss the theme he and his NFL athletes embraced this offseason: Wu Xin, or “no-mindedness.” It’s an idea that runs throughout skill acquisition — how athletes can free themselves from rigid intentions and better attune to the “what is” in front of them.  From there, we dig into his new book, Enhancing Skill in American Football: Revolutionizing Practice Design for Transfer to Game Day, and the golden thread of movement behavior as problem solving.  Along the way, we cover why Shawn calls it “partnering” with athletes instead of “owning” them, what Barry Sanders can teach us about adaptability, and some hot takes on the NFL Combine, traditional speed training, and preseason football. Episode Resources Shawn Myszka’s Book: Enhancing Skill in American Football: Revolutionizing Practice Design for Transfer to Game DayEmergence: emergentmvmt.comShawn Myszka Blog Post – Wu Xin: Turning Off the Mind to Solve More Problems on the FieldBarry Sanders NFL Top 100 Segment: Barry Sanders on “just reacting” (NFL Films)Ep 86 w/ ShawnCredits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat! Twitter: @thecoachjav IG: @thecoachjav

Send us a text Garrett Baker, Skill Acquisition Specialist and pitching coach with the New York Mets, returns to the Adaptable Athlete Podcast to dive deep into the realities of skill development in baseball. In this episode we discuss: Why breaking free from “perfect mechanics” often unlocks better performanceWhy pitching velocity isn't everythingHow reframing pitchers as “out-getters” changes the way we think about trainingThe pitcher-batter relationship and its central role in pitching successThe impact of conviction and intention on the moundWhy variability and “serious play” are critical to long-term developmentIf you like today's episode, leave a review here....If you want to reach me directly, contact me on social media or shoot me @[email protected]. Resources + Mentions: Garrett Baker’s previous episode: Pitching Beyond the Metrics POST Framework Paper  Jesus Luzardo breakdown with Dallas Braden – Slab Lab Certified Skill Acquisition Specialist (CSAS) Info Credits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat! Twitter: @thecoachjav IG: @thecoachjav

Send us a text Welcome back to the Adaptable Athlete Podcast!  In this episode, we dive into another edition of the 6 Minutes of Skill series — where Coach Jav breaks down a key skill acquisition concept in under 6 minutes (or close enough). This time, we’re tackling a big one: How does the weight room fit within an ecological approach? The weight room and ecological dynamics can often feel like they're pulling in different directions. But in this quick-hit episode, Coach Jav unpacks:  ✅ Why the weight room isn’t the enemy  ✅ How to create meaningful links between strength work and skill  ✅ How variability can be a secret weapon in the weight room  ✅ Why being weight room strong doesn’t necessarily mean being skillful 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 @[email protected]. Episode Resources Emergence Website Emergence Weight Room CourseCredits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat! Twitter: @thecoachjav IG: @thecoachjav

Send us a text In this episode of the Adaptable Athlete Podcast,  I'm joined by Justin Ferguson — Director of Player Development at Minnesota United FC and a coach who’s deeply committed to modern coaching principles. We dig into what it really means to rethink player development, why talent is not a linear process, and how coaches can better support athletes through complex, messy learning environments. Justin shares insights from his work in professional soccer, including how Minnesota United is challenging traditional development models and creating learning environments that actually prepare players for the game. Whether you're coaching elite players or youth athletes, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and give you new ways to think about growth, adaptation, and long-term development. 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 @[email protected]. Resources + Mentions Minnesota United FCJustin's IGEmergence Website Check out our other episodes Credits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat! Twitter: @thecoachjav IG: @thecoachjav

Send us a text This episode is a special repost of my conversation with Stu McMillan on the ALTIS Podcast, originally recorded as a lead-up to the ALTIS Speed Summit where I will be presenting.   If you’re attending the Summit this weekend, this will give you a preview of what I’ll be covering in my talk on Saturday, June 7th. The session will be titled "This is Not a Drill: Developing Speed Through Problem Solving."  We cover a wide range of topics—everything from designing adaptable athletes to unlearning rigid drill-based models. Whether you're new to ecological dynamics or deep into it, this conversation bridges theory and real-world coaching. The ALTIS Speed Summit kicks off on Friday, June 6th, and my presentation is on Saturday, June 7th. Key Topics Discussed: ✅ Why repeatable outcomes matter more than repeatable movements  ✅ How to build learning environments that guide problem solving  ✅ What coaches need to unlearn to truly develop adaptable athletes  ✅ The role of perception, variability, and context in speed training  ✅ Transitioning from traditional  models to ecological dynamics Resources & Mentions: ALTIS Speed Summit Info: altis.worldThe Adaptable Athlete Podcast: theadaptableathlete.comEmergence Website: emergentmvmt.com“How We Learn to Move” – Rob Gray: Buy on AmazonCredits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat! Twitter: @thecoachjav IG: @thecoachjav

Send us a text This episode of the Adaptable Athlete Podcast is part of our special SMSC 25’ Speaker Spotlight Series, highlighting some of the world-class minds presenting at the 2025 Sport Movement Skill Conference, June 26–27 in St. Paul, Minnesota. We're bringing back a classic: Episode 8 with Michael Zwiefel, an impactful voice in our field and a longtime influence on how we approach athlete development. Formerly the founder of Building Better Athletes, Michael now serves as Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator at Wisconsin–La Crosse, where he applies ecological principles in a team setting. Key Topics Discussed: ✅ Making warmups representative and engaging  ✅ Transitioning from coaching with instructions to guiding with environment  ✅ Working with youth athletes in a way that ignites passion, not burnout  ✅ Progressing from 1v1 to more complex and chaotic movement problems  ✅ Why strength coaches must understand tactical demands of sport  ✅ Finding “aliveness” in warmups—starting sessions with real movement problems f you work with athletes in any context—private or team, youth or elite—this one is packed with insight. Register for SMSC 2025 Come see Michael live at this year’s in-person Sport Movement Skill Conference: 🔗 Register here Resources + Mentions: Warm-Up Course: Reconceptualizing the Warm-Up “Change of Direction vs. Agility” (Young et al., 2002)Origins CourseMichael on XEmergence WebsiteCredits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat! Twitter: @thecoachjav IG: @thecoachjav

Send us a text In this repost episode of the podcast, we revisit one of our most favorite conversations — a deep dive into combat sport skill acquisition with Scott Sievewright, founder of Primal MMA and host of the Primal MMA Coaching Podcast. Scott brings an athlete-centered and constraints-led approach to his work with MMA athletes. In this conversation, we discuss how to design representative practice without traditional drills, how to keep intensity high while still respecting athlete safety, and why coaches should shift from cueing movement to shaping it through context. Scott will be one of our featured presenters at the 2025 Sport Movement Skill Conference happening June 26–27 in St. Paul, MN. Get your ticket at: 🔹 Key Topics Discussed: ✅ What a live, constraints-led approach looks like in MMA  ✅ Why Scott eliminated drilling entirely from his practice  ✅ Managing contact, safety, and intensity in striking and grappling  ✅ How ecological dynamics helps simplify coaching  ✅ Why Scott avoids over-coaching and embraces organized chaos  ✅ What it means to train perception and action together 📌 Resources & Mentions:  Primal MMA Coaching Podcast Primal MMA Website Scott’s Coaching Philosophy & Framework SMSC 2025 Tickets & Info💡Like what you hear? Then you’ll love what Scott brings in person at this year’s conference. Register now and join us in St. Paul, MN – June 26–27, 2025. Stay connected at The Adaptable Athlete for more great conversations. Want to take your coaching to the next level?...check our our courses at Emergence. Credits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat! Twitter: @thecoachjav IG: @thecoachjav

Send us a text SMSC Speaker Spotlight: Garrett Baker  In this episode, we’re highlighting one of our featured presenters for the 2025 Sport Movement Skill Conference — Garrett Baker, Skill Acquisition Specialist and Pitching Coach for the New York Mets. Garrett joins us to talk about the current state of skill development in baseball and why he believes coaches must move beyond traditional notions of “perfect mechanics.” We dig into how Garrett blends theory and practice in the bullpen, what makes his learning environments unique, and how his approach helps athletes become more adaptable and attuned to the real problems they face in competition. You’ll also hear: Why skill development in baseball needs to move beyond “perfect mechanics”How Garrett builds constraint-based bullpens that sharpen decision-makingCoaching intent and perception: why the why matters more than the howThe value of creating environments where athletes compete and adaptWhy “error” in skill learning is a gift, not something to avoidWhat it looks like to coach with the athlete, not at themGarrett’s approach to designing reps that mirror the complexity of real gamesWhat to expect from his session at SMSC 2025 — and why it’s relevant across sportsCredits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat! Twitter: @thecoachjav IG: @thecoachjav