Adding texture to the Art of constraints-led coaching: a request for more research-informed guidelines

Abstract

ABSTRACT The constraints-led approach has become an increasingly popular framework for developing functionally adaptive movement skills among athletes. Despite this popularity, the application of the constraints-led approach requires a level of conceptual, theoretical, and practical expertise, which we believe is in need of further applied research. In this paper, we aim to challenge constraints-led researchers and practitioners to provide more research-informed guidelines to support coaches who wish to become ecological designers. In doing so, we first discuss the underlying theoretical perspectives, providing a balanced account of the possible strengths and limitations of the ecological dynamics and constraints-led approaches. We then pose three questions we believe have yet to receive the empirical attention necessary to help coaches become effective ecological designers. In posing these questions, we hope to encourage greater empirical guidance about the application of the constraints-led approach in situations coaches routinely encounter in the daily training and competition environment.