EP 32 'How We Learn to Move - Part 1' with Dr. Rob Gray

Rob Gray is a psychology professor and research psychologist with a focus on perceptual-motor control in driving, aviation, and sports. He also hosts the Perception & Action Podcast, is the author of two books, including a bestseller on learning movement skills, and serves as the Skill Acquisition Specialist for the Boston Red Sox.

In this interview, Rob Gray discusses key aspects from chapters 1 and 2 of his best-selling book: ‘How We Learn to Move’. Dr. Gray provides valuable insights for trainers looking improve their motor learning design and reduce the risk of injury. He challenges the traditional approach to motor skill training and emphasizes the importance of embracing contextual variability in the training environment.

Topics covered in this podcast include Dr. Gray’s background that led to the conceptualization and success of his book, The ‘Myth’ of the One Correct Repeatable Technique, the importance of variability in movement for skilled performance, how constraints impact movement variability, and the relationship between variability and adaptability.

This interview contains practical insights on how trainers should rethink traditional ‘technique-based’ motor skill training methods and embrace a nonlinear ecological methodology to improve their training design, enhance learning, retention and transfer, and reduce the risk of injury.