Discuss the differences between skill, ability and technique and explain how you would structure practices to enhance these components of fitness.

The first 200 words of this essay...

Discuss the differences between skill, ability and technique and explain how you would structure practices to enhance these components of fitness.

There are differences between skill and ability and this links with technique a term commonly used in sport.

There are many different classifications of skill; it cannot really be defined as a single thing. It has been said that skill is,

"The ability to perform a technique with consistency and control with minimum effort." (Galligan 2000).

"Skill is seen as a co-ordinated act involving complex movements brought together in a consistent and smooth manner." (Sharp 1992)

There are cognitive skills, perceptual skills, motor skills and perceptual motor skills. Each different skill will use different muscles and movements to carry out a certain task. Cognitive skills are also known as intellectual skills because they involve thought and processes (Galligan 2000). An example of this is adding up runs scored by a player in cricket. Perceptual skills involve interpreting a picture or piece of writing. Some people interpret things differently from others. An example would be a goalkeeper in football assessing the movement of an opponent approaching. Motor skills are muscles in