difference between skill, Technique and ability

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Discuss the difference between Skill, Technique and

Ability and explain how "practice makes perfect.”

In this essay I am going to discuss the differences between skill, ability and technique. I will also investigate the phrase “Practice makes perfect”.

First it is essential that we understand the different types of skill, and the difference between skill, ability and technique.

Skill can be defined as an ability that has been acquired by training. Skill is a commonly used word in sport, but not always with its original meaning (it has many different interpretations). The two terms skill and ability are often mixed up by people and referred to as the same thing.

In sport skill is usually used as a concept rather than as a word. One interpretation of skill is it existing within a sport, for example, a set shot in basketball.

There are different types of skills. Examples of three types of skills are intellectual skills or cognitive skills, perceptive skills, and motor skills. Cognitive skills involve the use of a persons mental power, e.g. problem solving, verbal reasoning. A Perceptive skill is interpreting and making sense of information coming in via the senses. Motor skills are smoothly executing physical movements and responses.

 

Skill classifications are skills such as:

  • Gross skills,
  • Fine skills,
  • Pacing,
  • Open skills,
  • Discrete skills,
  • Serial skills
  • Continuous skills. 

Another definition for the concept of skill, according to Welford is ‘An organised co-ordinated activity in relation to an object or situation which involves a whole chain of sensory, central and motor mechanisms’.

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Because skill and technique are learnt, they are dependent on practice to be able to progress. As ability is innate, you are born with specific abilities, which will help you to develop skills and techniques.

In Hockey, passing drills can be used to enhance hand-eye co-ordination, whilst making the practice sport specific. This practice is designed to enhance mainly ability, but also some basic technique. 

To be a sportsman at any level, you must have skill, ability and technique. These components of fitness are essential in the development and production of any activity, varying from simple movements ...

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