SKILL ACQUISITION (Chapt 1, Pgs 4, 6, 7, 17 – 22)

Skill acquisition involves motor skills. What is a motor skill?

Definition of a motor skill? (Chapt 1, Pg 4) A motor skill can be defined as “a muscular movement to complete a predetermined task” (Amezdroz et al, 2010).

Examples of Motor Skills Catching, running, handstand, kicking, hitting Which means that…. Every shot played in Badminton is a motor skill

But how are these shots classified?

Motor skills can be classified in several ways Discrete, Serial & Continuous Open & Closed Fine & Gross

Group 1 (Chapt 1, Pg 7)) Has a distinct beginning and end Throw, kick, hit All badminton strokes will be discrete Discrete Discrete skills linked together in a movement sequence Gymnastics routine, basketball dribble Serial Discrete tasks in a repetitive movement Running, swimming Continuous

Group 2 (Chapt 1, Pg 6 - 7) Based on the stability of the environment (which can be the object or context) Closed Environment is highly predictable Performer goes through a pre- learnt motor program without having to consider environmental changes Performer is in full control of the timing of the movements Performer can start the action when they are ready Examples are: Practice, serves, diving, gymnastics, free throws, athletics

Group 2 (Chapt 1, Pg 7) Based on the stability of the environment (which can be the object or context) Open Unpredictable environment in which the object or context is always changing. Location of opponent and flight path of ball are factors to which the performer must respond. The decision – making process occurs in a short space of time Examples are: Actual games, team sports, matches against an opponent

Group 2 (Chapt 1, Pg 7) Skills are rarely only open or closed, but lie between the two extremes of the continuum

Quick Quiz Give an example of how a badminton could skill can be learned using a closed skill and then change to an open skill

Answer Closed Hit successive shuttles to player at constant speed and distance so player should be able to hit each shuttle without moving from the spot. Open Hit successive shuttles to player at varying speeds and distances so player needs move to correct position to hit the shuttle and then recover & prepare for the next shot.

Group 3 (Chapt 1, Pg 6) Method Distinguishes motor skills by the size of the muscles involved in the movement Gross Motor Skills Involve large body parts or whole body Require less precision Somersault, tackle Fine Motor Skills Involve small muscle groups Require greater precision Foot/hand/fingers/head movements

Factors Affecting Skill Acquisition

Factors (Chapt 1, Pg ) Consider all the factors in your textbook BUT The following are the most relative

Learning new skills Geographical location Where you live will determine the opportunities and access you have to facilities Regional areas have less access to facilities and take part in less- structured physical activity Urban areas have more facilities and more structured organised sport

Learning new skills Sociocultural experiences Exposure to skill learning linked to Family background Parents sporty or active so child more likely to participate Cultural traditions Family may culturally lean to particular sports Economic status May not be able to afford access to facilities or organised activities

Learning new skills Previous Experience (Amezdroz et al, 2004) More rapid if been exposed to a wide range of different sports Some skills learnt are directly transferrable to the new sport Watching other skilled performers from an early age

Learning new skills Gender Differences in physiology, rather than ability to learn skills. Males perform better in strength and power activities – especially explosive power events Females perform better in endurance events

Learning new skills Relative-age Effect Older players in the same age group are seen as more talented A greater range of skill difference is observable between older and younger athletes in the skill acquisition of juniors Players gain confidence as a result of being better than their peers