1. Skills and Techniques
Breaking Down a Skill.

2. Introduction
A skill tells you the purpose of the movement, E.g. “passing”.
A technique is the way of performing a skill, E.g. push pass, hit or
reverse pass. The technique tells you “how” a pass was made.
In your jotter write down a skill from the following activities and
three different techniques. Explain why you would use each different
technique.
Question Book Page 23, Q55, Q56. Page 24, Q7
Past Papers Foundation – Q13, Q28. General – Q8. Credit Q35

3. Techniques
The technique is the way in which the skill is performed eg.
Basketball–
Passing (Chest pass, Bounce pass)
Shooting (Lay up shot, Set shot, Jump shot)

4. Cont.
The technique is often selected because of the situation the player finds themselves in.
For example, if there is space at the side of the basket it is possible to use a lay up shot, but if the player is having to shoot from further back a set shot might be used.

5. Internal/External Feedback
Feedback is information you receive on your performance. There are 2 main types
of feedback INTERNAL and EXTERNAL.
Internal feedback is sometimes called “kinaesthetic”. The feedback comes
from within the performer, this type lets the performer “feel” the movements.
In your jotter chose an activity and a skill/technique where you received internal
feedback. How did the feedback effect the rest of the performance.
External feedback is feedback given from another. There are 3 main types:
Question Book Page 27, Q69. Page 28, Q70
Visual
Verbal
Written
In your jotter describe 3 occasions where you have received the above feedback.

6. Feedback + Demonstrations
Feedback can be useful when learning new skills/techniques. Feedback should be
given directly after the performer completes the skill/technique.
In your jotter explain why.
When giving feedback it is important that the right amount is given to the performer. Too much feedback is as unhelpful as too little.
Question Book Page 27, Q67, Q68
Past Papers Foundation – Q19. General – Q16. Credit – Q7, Q16, Q17
In your jotter explain why.
Demonstrations can be given by the teacher, class mate or a video. They allow you
to see the skill before you attempt it.

7. Automatic Skills
Golf players will practise the same shot many times trying to
make the shot automatic.
Once a skill is automatic the benefits are that:
The performer does not need to think about what needs to be
done to execute the skill.
The success rate will be high.
The performer can concentrate on other things. E.g. the next
move.
Question Book Page 28, Q71, Q72, Q73, Q74
Past Papers Foundation – Q25. Credit Q3, Q4, Q26, Q44, Q45
In your jotter write down 2 problems which a performer might face when practising
a skill for too long.
In your jotter write down 2 ways which this can be avoided.

8. Repetition Practices

9. Breaking Down Skills
A performance of a skill can be broken down into 3 parts. Preparation, Action
and Recovery. E.g,
Preparation – Toss the ball into the air, and pull the racket
back.
Action – Lift up and throw the face of the racket to
make contact with the ball. (Throwing
action)
Question Book Page 25, Q59, Q60, Q61. Page 26, Q62. Page 27, Q66
Recovery - Follow through in the direction you wish the
ball to travel
In your jotter select 4 different activities and a skill/technique from each. Describe
in detail the preparation, action and recovery for each one.

10. Movement Analysis
One effective approach for breaking down a skill or technique is through analysing your:
Preparation is the first part of the movement
Action is the middle part of the movement
Recovery is the end of the movement
You would use an observation schedule to achieve this

11. Movement Analysis Benefits of Using an Observation Schedule
Identifies Strengths & Weaknesses of a skill
Pinpoints specifically where weakness lies
Practice programme can be designed from the information received
You can use an observation schedule at the beginning and end of a training block to see if your technique has improved

12. Badminton – Overhead Clear
Preparation-The player moves towards the back of the court pointing his free hand to the shuttle. The racquet is taken back high behind the head.
Action-The racquet is swung forward to contact the shuttle above the head.
Recovery-The racquet follows through in the direction of the shuttle and the player moves back to the ready position in the centre of the court.

13. Homework!!
In your jotter you will choose a skill or technique you wish to improve (1)
You will describe how you found this was a shot you needed to improve. (2)
You will then describe how you went about improving this shot. (3)