Description

In this episode we discuss an article from The Athletic entitled “What is the CLA? Inside the revolutionary coaching method quietly fuelling the world’s best athletes.”

We reflect on the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA) in coaching challenging the notion that it’s a “revolution,” since the foundational work by Carl Newell is nearly 40 years old. 

The discussion explores:

• How CLA is rooted in motor learning and ecological dynamics.
• The contrast between individualistic coaching cultures (like in the U.S.) and collective, environment-centered approaches advocated by CLA.
• How traditional practices (e.g., rigid playbooks) can hinder athlete development by limiting adaptability and creativity.
• The importance of coaches framing learning intentions skilfully, shaping environments that invite effective exploration and self-organisation rather than prescribing fixed solutions.

Enjoy!

Link to the article: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6665943/2025/09/29/sports-training-cla-coaching-wembanyana-ohtani/?source=user_shared_article