The constraints-led approach: how skill acquisition principles can inform learning design in sport

Adam D. Gorman, Keith Davids, Brendan Moy and Ian Renshaw

Chapter 10 in Handbook of Sport Coaching Research, 2026, pp 105-114 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: The constraints-led approach provides a pedagogical coaching framework that can be used to enhance the perceptual-motor skills of athletes of all levels (Renshaw et al., 2019). This approach is underpinned by ecological dynamics, a theory that emphasises the close connection between the performer and their environment (Button et al., 2021). The aim of this chapter is to provide an overview of the research related to skill acquisition pedagogy, exemplified by the constraints-led approach, demonstrating how it can be used as a methodology to guide coaches in their design of learning environments. The chapter includes details and examples of the interaction between perceptions, actions, emotions, and cognitions to help identify potential constraints that could be manipulated by coaches to achieve specific learning outcomes. An overview of the potential challenges that may present when adopting contemporary coaching approaches is provided, as well as possible research avenues that could be further explored.

Keywords: Coaching; Pedagogy; Ecological Dynamics; Practice Design; Acquiring Movement Coordination (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035341634
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