The Adaptable Athlete Podcast

Javier Miller-Estrada
  • 5.0 (22)
  • FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Adaptable Athlete Podcast is a podcast for coaches and practitioners who want to learn more about modern approached to sport movement and skill acquisition; and who ultimately, want to help to their athletes become more adaptable.  Host, Javi Miller-Estrada engages in discussions with some of the absolute best sport coaches, trainers, and practitioners in the world. Coaches who are truly pushing the industry forward.

  1. Why the Best Fighters Are Problem Solvers | Andy Grahn

    6D AGO

    Why the Best Fighters Are Problem Solvers | Andy Grahn

    Send us Fan Mail You can't talk a fighter into confidence. And if you've been trying, Andy Grahn has been quietly building it the right way for 30 years. Andy Grahn is a martial arts coach at The Academy MN in Minneapolis, a co-author of the 2024 ecological dynamics MMA paper in Sports Coaching Review, and one of a small group of combat sports coaches actively applying motor learning science to what happens on the mat. This conversation covers how he got there and what it actually looks like in practice. Competence before confidence: Why telling athletes to "just be more confident" doesn't work, and what the ecological approach says about how confidence actually developsAlive training in combat sports: What representative practice looks like in an MMA gym, how Andy navigates the line between safety and specificity, and why sparring is still the anchorThe partner probability paradox: How to design practice when you don't have the right training partner, and what constraints-led coaching looks like when the pairing isn't idealJKD to ecological dynamics: The philosophical thread connecting Bruce Lee's framework to Gibson's ecological psychology, and how Andy's background primed him for the shiftWriting the paper: What it was like to co-author peer-reviewed research as a practitioner alongside Keith Davids and the rest of the teamFor coaches in any sport trying to build real skill, not just clean-looking technique. 🎟 Listeners of the podcast receive 10% off the Sport Movement Skill Conference (June 5–6 in St. Paul, Minnesota) using code JAVI26 at registration. Andy Grahn | The Academy MN The Academy MN Instagram Facebook Applying an Ecological Dynamics Approach to Mixed Martial Arts Resources The Adaptable Athlete Coach Jav on Instagram Emergence Free Modern Coach's Checklist Credits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat! Twitter: @thecoachjav IG: @thecoachjav

    1h 5m
  2. How Myles Garrett Solves Problems No One Else Can | Shawn Myszka

    APR 22

    How Myles Garrett Solves Problems No One Else Can | Shawn Myszka

    Send us Fan Mail The best pass rusher in NFL history didn't break the sack record because he's fast. He broke it while being double or triple-teamed on more than half his snaps. Shawn Myszka returns for the annual Mover of the Year episode. This year's pick: Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns. But this conversation isn't about stats. It's about what Garrett's movement actually tells us about dexterity, practice design, and how athletes solve problems under pressure. Dexterity vs. athleticism: Why raw physical tools don't explain Garrett's dominance, and what Bernstein's framework reveals about how he actually movesAbundance precedes adaptability: How having a wide range of movement strategies, not one elite technique, is what separates Garrett from every other pass rusherPerceiving to and through: How elite performers take in multiple information sources simultaneously, with examples from football, basketball, and combat sportsAdversity as a teacher: What Barry Sanders and Adrian Peterson tell us about how constraint-rich environments shape movement skill over timeWhat Movement Miyagi would do: Three specific practice design ideas for developing Garrett's perceptual and movement capabilities even furtherFor coaches working at any level, in any sport. Listeners of the podcast can receive 10% off the upcoming Sport Movement Skill Conference (June 5–6 in St. Paul, Minnesota) using the code Javi26 when registering. Shawn Myszka | Movement Miyagi Football Beyond the Stats Blog 2025 Mover of the Year: Myles Garrett Enhancing Skill in American Football X | Instagram Resources The Adaptable Athlete Emergence Free Modern Coach's Checklist  Credits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat! Twitter: @thecoachjav IG: @thecoachjav

    58 min
  3. Why Most Players Never Develop Elite Shooting | NBA Shooting Coach Dave Love

    APR 8

    Why Most Players Never Develop Elite Shooting | NBA Shooting Coach Dave Love

    Send us Fan Mail NBA shooting coach Dave Love has spent over 15 years working at the highest level of basketball, with the Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, and currently an Eastern Conference team. He's also one of the few practitioners at that level actively contributing to peer-reviewed research. In this episode, Dave and Coach Jav dig into why the pursuit of a repeatable, perfect shot is the wrong goal entirely and what coaches should be focused on instead. They break down the sandbox analogy, the PoST framework, how to design practice that actually reflects the game, and how to meet athletes where they are when introducing evidence-based methods. If you coach shooting at any level, this one is worth your time. Topics covered: No two shots are the same — and why chasing a repeatable shot is the wrong goalThe sandbox analogy — how Dave thinks about functional movement solutions and what it means to be in or out of the sandboxPositive and negative power — his framework for identifying what's actually causing a player to missThe PoST framework — how to periodize skill training the way you would strength or conditioningPractice design and the challenge point — using defenders with intention and building variability into every sessionMeeting athletes where they are — how to introduce ecological principles to players attached to traditional methodsListeners of the podcast can receive 10% off the upcoming Sport Movement Skill Conference (June 5–6 in St. Paul, Minnesota) using the code Javi26 when registering. Links: Dave's platform and newsletterResearch paper: "Skill Adaptation in Basketball Coaching" International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 2025Sport Movement Skill Conference (use code JAVI26 for 10% off)Dave on XDave on instagramPodcast websiteEmergenceCredits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat! Twitter: @thecoachjav IG: @thecoachjav

    1h 4m

  4. MAR 25

    Ask Emergence: What Is Skill, Really?

    Send us Fan Mail Use Code: Javi26 for 10% off of your SMSC registration 🎟️ In this "Ask Emergence" episode, Coach Jav answers three questions from coaches about skill acquisition, constraints, and practice design. The conversation starts with a foundational question: What is skill?  Too often skill is viewed as repetition or the ability to reproduce the same movement over and over. But in sport, athletes must adapt to constantly changing problems. Coach Jav shares his current definition of skill and why adaptability is central to performance. The episode then explores how coaches can use constraints to shape movement and guide athletes toward effective solutions without prescribing every action. Finally, Coach Jav discusses how to think about complexity in training environments, why he prefers that term over “chaos,” and how coaches can scale the level of complexity to better prepare athletes for competition. Listeners of the podcast can receive 10% off the upcoming Sport Movement Skill Conference (June 5–6 in St. Paul, Minnesota) using the code Javi26 when registering. In This Episode A modern definition of skill and why repetition alone is not enoughHow constraints guide movement and decision making in sportHow to scale complexity in training environments to better prepare athletes for competitionEpisode Resources Sport Movement Skill ConferenceEmergence WebsiteCheck out The Modern Coach’s PlannerSMSC preview episode with Sean MyszkaThe Adaptable Athlete PodcastCheck out the pod on YouTubeCredits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat! Twitter: @thecoachjav IG: @thecoachjav

    18 min
  5. Why Practice Doesn’t Always Show Up in Matches | Steve Whelen

    MAR 11

    Why Practice Doesn’t Always Show Up in Matches | Steve Whelen

    Send us Fan Mail 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 Steve's websiteSteve on Instagram 2026 Sport Movement Skill Conference (SMSC) Modern Coach’s Practice Checklist - Free coaching guide The Adaptable Athlete PodcastEmergenceSupport & Contact If you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with another coach or athlete who’d appreciate it.  You can reach Coach Jav on social media at @thecoachjav or by email at javier@emergentmvmt.com Credits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat! Twitter: @thecoachjav IG: @thecoachjav

    1h 4m
  6. What Happens When Coaching Philosophies Collide? | SMSC 2026 Preview

    FEB 25

    What Happens When Coaching Philosophies Collide? | SMSC 2026 Preview

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Coach Jav sits down with Emergence co-founder Shawn Myszka to preview the 2026 Sport Movement Skill Conference (SMSC). They unpack this year’s theme — “Challenge Point” — and explain why the conference will feature debate-style matchups between leading voices from differing theoretical foundations. The conversation explores why now is the right time to bring contrasting coaching philosophies back to the table, how intellectual sparring can sharpen clarity, and what attendees can expect from both the debates and hands-on practical sessions. From matchups like Shawn Myszka vs. Tony Villani , Tyler Yearby vs. Jeff Moyer and Jav vs. Tony Holler, to practical sessions spanning MMA, baseball, team sport environments, and Olympic preparation, this year’s SMSC aims to challenge assumptions while fostering connection. The 9th Annual Sport Movement Skill Conference takes place June 5–6 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Don’t forget: The Modern Coach's Planner is now back in stock!!  Get it here     Resources Sport Movement Skill Conference 2026Certified Skill Acquisition Specialist (CSAS) InformationPodcast WebsiteEp. 110 with Shawn Support & Contact If you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with another coach or athlete who’d appreciate it.  You can reach Coach Jav on social media at @thecoachjav or by email at javier@emergentmvmt.com Credits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat! Twitter: @thecoachjav IG: @thecoachjav

    44 min
  7. 3 Mistakes I Made Applying Ecological Dynamics

    FEB 11

    3 Mistakes I Made Applying Ecological Dynamics

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Adaptable Athlete Podcast, Coach Jav breaks down three mistakes he made while applying ecological dynamics and the constraints-led approach in his coaching. From prioritizing drills over principles, to progressing athletes from decontextualized work instead of designing representative learning environments, to failing to give athletes ownership in the skill acquisition process, Coach Jav reflects on what changed — and why it matters for modern coaching. If you’re a coach exploring ecological dynamics, skill acquisition, or looking to move beyond traditional drill-based training, this episode offers a practical and honest look at what applying these concepts actually requires in real-world settings. This conversation touches on principles vs drills, contextual training design, scaling complexity, athlete feedback, and how to build adaptable performers. Resources & Links: The Modern Coach PlannerSport Movement Skill Conference 2026More Pod EpisodesWatch the show on Youtube Support & Contact If you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with another coach or athlete who’d appreciate it.  You can reach Coach Jav on social media at @thecoachjav or by email at javier@emergentmvmt.com Credits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat! Twitter: @thecoachjav IG: @thecoachjav

    21 min
  8. What Most Coaches Get Wrong About Agility

    JAN 28

    What Most Coaches Get Wrong About Agility

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, coach Jav breaks down the most common mistakes coaches make in agility training—and why many popular drills fail to transfer to sport. Inspired by a recent Six of the Best contribution with Sportsmith (Emergence Co-founder Shawn, Myszka was also featured), the the episode centers on a core problem: coaches often give athletes the answers instead of setting real problems to solve. Jav explains why repetition without context limits adaptability, why randomness alone isn’t enough, and how poor information sources—like verbal cues, lights, or inanimate objects—can disconnect training from competition. He closes with three practical shifts coaches can make immediately to design more effective, sport-relevant agility environments. This episode is for coaches who want to move beyond scripted drills and develop truly adaptable athletes. Don’t forget: The Modern Coach's Planner is now back in stock!!  https://thecoachjav.com/products/modern-coach-planner Support & Contact If you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with another coach or athlete who’d appreciate it.  You can reach Coach Jav on social media at @thecoachjav or by email at javier@emergentmvmt.com Resources & Links The podcast on YouTubeSportsmith The Adaptable Athlete Podcast:EmergenceCredits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io Let's Chat! Twitter: @thecoachjav IG: @thecoachjav

    19 min
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5
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

The Adaptable Athlete Podcast is a podcast for coaches and practitioners who want to learn more about modern approached to sport movement and skill acquisition; and who ultimately, want to help to their athletes become more adaptable.  Host, Javi Miller-Estrada engages in discussions with some of the absolute best sport coaches, trainers, and practitioners in the world. Coaches who are truly pushing the industry forward.

Information

  • Creator
    Javier Miller-Estrada
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    125
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Adaptable Athlete Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Adaptable Athlete Podcast

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