Ep 120- Why Practice Doesn’t Always Show Up in Matches | Steve Whalen
In this episode, Coach Jav sits down with Steve Whalen to explore his journey into coaching, his shift toward ecological dynamics, and what it means to truly design learning environments that transfer to competition.
Steve shares how he entered tennis coaching from a non-traditional background, the tensions he experienced within traditional coach education, and the turning points that led him toward a constraints-led approach. The conversation unpacks why players who look sharp in practice often struggle in matches, how coaches can better understand learning and performance, and what it takes to bridge the gap between research and real-world coaching.
They also discuss Steve’s work mentoring coaches globally, his upcoming research in ecological dynamics, and the broader direction of modern coach education.
The upcoming Sport Movement Skill Conference (June 5–6) is also discussed you can learn more and register here
If you’re looking for a practical starting point for designing more effective sessions, download the Modern Coach’s Practice Checklist and check out thecoachjav.com for more resources!
Episode Resources
Modern Coach’s Practice Checklist - Free coaching guide
Support & Contact
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You can reach Coach Jav on social media at @thecoachjav
or by email at javier@emergentmvmt.com