Constraints of the constraints-led approach in American football and comments on Yearby et al. (2022)

In recent literature, constraints-led approaches have been promoted for practice design to coaches of American football. While we agree that this approach would represent a useful tool, we put forward that ecological approaches alone are insufficient to address the complexity and diversity of real-world sporting contexts, so coaches must carefully consider how constraints-led approaches might fit within the total coaching process and associated challenges. With this in mind, this paper explores the implications and challenges of constraints-led approaches within the American football environment. In doing this, we consider the context and constraints of the game and their implications for both coaching practice and the implementation of ecological principles. To conclude, we also propose the need for pragmatic balance and consideration of approaches as part of a professional judgement and decision-making process by coaches.