Skilful Performance

What is skill?

Skill “Skill is the learned ability to bring about predetermined results with maximum certainty, often with the minimum outlay of time or energy or both.” (Knapp)

What does skilful performance look like? Watch the following video clip and write down a list of words that you think would best describe this performance. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRCTp57LQro&feature=related

Characteristics of skilful performance Efficient Well co-ordinated, effortless Fluent Well timed, precise, performer is in control Aesthetic Pleasing to the eye, performer looks competent Learned Practised over a period of time, consistent Goal directed End result clearly identified and understood by the performer. Follows a technical model

Skill There are 3 main categories of skill: Cognitive Skills The ability to solve problems by thinking Perceptual Skills Perception is the process by which you sense things and interpret them. Motor Skills Controlled muscular movement with a set goal

Skill Give an example of each type of skill from your E & A sport.

Skill Perceptual Motor / Psychomotor skills The skills we employ in PE/Sport usually incorporate elements of all three types and certainly include perception and movement. They involve thinking, detecting and interpreting information as well as performing muscular movement.

Classification of skills How else can we classify skills? Why might this be useful for a teacher/coach or performer?

Classification of skill Seven elements taken into consideration: Muscular involvement Environmental requirements Continuity Pacing Difficulty Organisation Interaction Each of these elements can be thought of as a continuum. Each end of the continuum are opposites and there is a gradual change characteristics from one end to the other.

Activity Analytical Phases Athletics Track Events: posture, leg action, arm action, head carriage, overall efficiency. Jumping Events: approach, take-off, flight, landing, overall efficiency Throwing events: initial stance, grip and preparation, travel and trunk position, throwing action, release, overall efficiency Games Preparation, Execution, Recovery, Result, Overall efficiency Gymnastics Vaults: shape and aesthetic quality, flight on the box, flight off the box, repulsion and landing, overall efficiency Competitive swimming Arm Action, leg action, body position, breathing, overall efficiency

Task Select a clip from your chosen sport (if possible) and perform a complete analysis of the skill. You can use the sheet to help you. Your analysis should include: Classification of the skill Key coaching points for each analytical phase. Common faults or errors Practices used to improve the skill

Homework Prepare a short oral presentation (5 mins max) about an essential skill in your sport. You need to demonstrate knowledge of: Analytical phases Key coaching points Anatomy & Physiology Types of movement, Bones, joints, muscles, types of contraction. Classification of the skill Characteristics of skilful performance.