
Are you paying attention? Exploring the role of 'focus of attention' in skill acquisition with Richard Barbour
08/27/23 • 61 min
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Where performers direct their focus of attention has significant impacts on performance and learning. Coaches typically use instructions and practice design to direct a performers attention, intentionally or not. However there is generally a miss-match between coaching practice (instructions that are internally and form/technique focussed) and research (which advocates an external focus of attention).
This episode is a joint production with 'Locked in Shed' podcaster Richard Barbour.
Locked in Shed podcasts https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lockedinshed/episodes/Locked-in-Shed-series-1---episode-9-eie7cc
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lockedinshed/
UK Snowsports Coaching Conference details and tickets
Open access research paper - Every story has two sides: evaluating information processing and ecological dynamics perspectives of focus of attention in skill acquisition
Where performers direct their focus of attention has significant impacts on performance and learning. Coaches typically use instructions and practice design to direct a performers attention, intentionally or not. However there is generally a miss-match between coaching practice (instructions that are internally and form/technique focussed) and research (which advocates an external focus of attention).
This episode is a joint production with 'Locked in Shed' podcaster Richard Barbour.
Locked in Shed podcasts https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lockedinshed/episodes/Locked-in-Shed-series-1---episode-9-eie7cc
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lockedinshed/
UK Snowsports Coaching Conference details and tickets
Open access research paper - Every story has two sides: evaluating information processing and ecological dynamics perspectives of focus of attention in skill acquisition
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Part 2. 'Maybe their feet know something we don't.' A conversation with Lacy Stormes, barefoot showjumping USA.
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Fuelling your coaching journey: Event rider and coach Alex van Randwyck shares her insights on how to develop and nurture your own coaching skills.
On this episode I am joined by event rider and equestrian coach, Alex van Randwyck. I met Alex through mutual coach development work and found her insightful, humble and with the ability to connect with others and communicate with refreshing clarity. So of course, I asked her if she would consider being a guest on my podcast!
I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did. Alex shares so many insights and examples about how we can all be proactive in our own development and learning as coaches. Especially in learning from, and supporting each other.
As always, although we are focussed on equestrian sports, this podcast is as relevant for any sport or activity.
Getting in touch with Alex.
Alex's social media is packed with great advice, ideas and loads of fun facts.
https://www.alexvanrandwyck.com/
https://www.instagram.com/avanrandwyckcoaching/
https://www.facebook.com/avanrandwyckcoaching/
About my guest.
"In 2013 I went to the University of Leicester to study Geology and I became involved with student riding. I qualified for nationals in 2015 and was awarded a Sport Scholarship in my final year. In the autumn of 2015 I competed in my first Student Riding Nations Cup representing the Netherlands where we won team silver. Through these competitions I was able to compete all over Europe in places like Poland, Ireland, Germany and Switzerland and in 2016 I was selected to be part of the team for the World University Equestrian Championships.
In 2017 I went to work for Nick Gauntlett. I spent 2 years there and it was a great experience to be part of a larger set up. I had the opportunity to groom at overseas events, ride lovely young horses and work with the stallions and youngstock. It was also really helpful to have someone so experienced on hand to go to for advice and training. Working here allowed me to gain experience with lots of different horses and helped me to pass my A Test in 2019.
In the autumn of 2019 I set up on my own and even though we were in the middle of a global pandemic my business has grown quickly. I teach regularly for the Wokingham and Garth South pony club branches in addition to training the area 13 AH Test candidates. I really enjoy teaching as it’s so lovely to watch partnerships grow and be involved in their journey. I particularly enjoy teaching younger children and riders who lack confidence as I am good at breaking down concepts and making sure the rider has all the skills they need to progress and work on their own."
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