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Perceptual motor skills: In order to perform well in sport we require a number of these skills: thought – interpret – movement. E.g.: making a run in behind a defence in soccer.
There are also other types of skill including discrete, continuous and serial skills (continuums)
A discrete skill has a clear beginning and finish. It is a specific part of a sport and is definite. E.g.: free throw in basketball.
A continuous skill is the opposite of a discrete skill in that they have no definite start or ending. E.g.: dribble in basketball.
A serial skill is a skill, which combines both discrete and continuous skills. E.g.: javelin – made up of a number of discrete skills
Within skill, there are a number of classification continuums. A continuum is two extreme points on a line, between which we can fit various skills E.g.: smallest to tallest
Knapp’s open – closed continuum: this recognises that there are two basic classifications of skill; open skill and closed skill.
Open skill: these skills are affected by the environment and therefore, predominantly perceptual. Movements have to be adapted to the environment, such as weather, pitch conditions etc. An open skill is never performed in exactly the same way twice. E.g.: goalkeeper in soccer.
Closed skill: these skills are not affected by the environment and are predominantly habitual. Movements follow a set pattern, have a set pattern and have a definite beginning. E.g.: free throw in basketball.
Example of Knapp’s classification continuum:
Open Skill Closed Skill
Save in soccer Tennis serve
Pass in soccer Penalty in soccer
Tennis stroke Shot putt
Pacing Continuum: this is often used in conjunction with the open – closed continuum and refers to the timing of movements. The method is based on the degree to which the performer has control over the timing of the skill performance. As with Knapp’s continuum, there are two extremes.
- Self – paced skills: the performer has control over the rate at which the skill is executed. Self-pacing involves pro – action by the performer. Self – paced skills are usually closed skills. E.g.: free throw in basketball.
- Externally paced skills: the environment, which may include your opponent, controls the rate of performing the skill. This type of skill involves reaction and is usually an open skill. E.g.: receiving a serve in badminton.
Example of the Pacing Continuum:
Externally paced Self – paced
Yachting Diving Tennis Serve
Receiving tennis serve Free Throw
Soccer game Weight lifting
Ability is closely linked with skill in sport. This is because in order to perform a skill, we must first acquire an ability to do the skill. Abilities are innate and are thought of as basic building blocks in sport. Ability has many characteristics. Some people pick up abilities easily, others do not. People also usually continue to display their ability for a long period of time. Ability is a key component of fitness in the sporting world in order to achieve success.
‘Top sportspeople are popularly thought to possess an overall single ability to perform well.’
There are 2 different types of ability:
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Psychomotor ability: this enables the performer to process information about how and when he/she moves. E.g.: deciding when to play a smash in badminton
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Gross motor ability: this is the ability involving actual movement, strength, co – ordination, power and speed. E.g.: sprinting out of the blocks in 100m.
Technique is the third component. It is essentially linked to skill and ability. Technique is the way in which you perform a task. However in order to perform a task successfully it is essential that the correct technique is applied.
‘In order to perform a particular skill we must learn the required technique, and in order to learn the technique correctly we must acquire the necessary abilities.’ (Advanced P.e. for Edexcel).
A simple equation is formed when discussing skill, ability and technique:
Skill = Ability + Technique
Structured Practice
There are a number of factors affecting practice:
- Whether or not the skills are open or closed.
- Amount of information performer needs to know
- Environmental factors
- Previous experience of the performer
- How the performer reacts – are they motivated?
There are 2 main types of structured practice:
Fixed practice: repetition of an activity to improve performance. Skill becomes ‘over learned’, second nature. E.g.: free throw in basketball.
Variable practice: involves practice of a number of activities to enhance performance. This type of practice is common for open and interactive skills as it is never the same twice.
The type of practice used will influence the level of skill development.
There are 2 ways in which a practice can be organised: distributed practice (practice divided into sessions) and massed practice (continuous training with little or no rest).
In order to improve upon a skill you must make the practice variable and distributed.
Table showing the steps taken in performing a skill effectively in three different sports.
Conclusion
In conclusion I have discussed the three components of fitness and linked them to the three sports, using my tables (structured practice).
In my opinion it would be considered that in attempting to improve general components of fitness (team games) the correct element of training to be used would be:
- Use a variable training method – involves a variety of activities and situations to improve performance, making the training suited to a game situation.
- Make the training distributed – the practice will involve recovery periods (realistic to games situation); will involve feedback from partakers after each drill to ensure it is done correctly. E.g.: in basketball: lay up drill. After the drill a rest will be taken, then feedback will be given, attempting to improve upon the skill, also ensuring that the correct technique is applied.
When training for the individual and racquet sports, where fitness levels are required to be at an optimum, I would suggest that the means of training would be:
- Fixed practice – repetitive to produce a certain skill over and over again without fail, if being used over and over in competition then you should have no problems performing.
- Massed practice should also be applied, as this will mean an increase in cardiovascular fitness because of the constant practice.
Skill, ability and technique are all closely linked, and provide the basis for success in sport.
Bibliography
● Advanced PE for Edexcel Textbook.
● Handouts Given in Class
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