2.1 Skill Characteristics And Their Impact On Transfer And Practice

Question 1

What are the characteristics of a skill? (LACEFACE)

Answer 1

Learned
Aesthetically pleasing 
Controlled
Efficient
Fluent
Accurate
Consistent
Economical

Question 2

Definition of skill

Answer 2

The learned ability to bring about predetermined results with the minimum outlay of time, energy or both

Question 3

Difference between simple and complex skills

Answer 3

Simple skills are when the performer doesn’t have to process much information or make many decisions. Complex is the opposite.

Question 4

Difference between open and closed skills

Answer 4

Open skills are performed in an unpredictable environment. Closed skills are performed in a predictable environment.

Question 5

Difference between gross and fine skills

Answer 5

Gross skills use large muscle groups. Fine skills use smaller muscle groups.

Question 6

Difference between self paced and externally paced skills

Answer 6

Self paced is when the performer controls the start and speed of the skill.

Externally paced is when the performer has no control over the start and speed of the skill.

Question 7

Definition of discrete skill

Answer 7

A skill that has a clear beginning and end

Question 8

Definition of a serial skill

Answer 8

A skill that contains several discrete skills in order to make a more integrated movement

Question 9

Difference between high organised and low organised skills

Answer 9

Low organised skills can easily be broken into parts. High organised skills cannot easily be broken down into parts

Question 10

What are the 4 types of transfer?

Answer 10

1. Positive
2. Negative
3. Zero
4. Bilateral

Question 11

Definition of transfer

Answer 11

The effect of the learning and performance of one skill on the learning and performance of another.

Question 12

What is positive transfer?

Answer 12

When the learning of one skill helps the learning of another. Eg overarm volleyball serve and a tennis serve.

Question 13

What is negative transfer?

Answer 13

When the learning of one skill hinders the learning of another. Eg rugby conversion kick and penalties in football.

Question 14

What is zero transfer?

Answer 14

When the learning of one skill has no impact on the learning of another. Eg swimming and rock climbing

Question 15

What is bilateral transfer?

Answer 15

When the learning of one skill is passed across the body from limb to limb. Eg shooting with left and right feet

Question 16

How can a coach ensure positive transfer?

Answer 16

• making sure training is realistic
• ensure one skill is well learned before moving on to a more advanced skill
• highlight similarities

Question 17

What are the methods of presenting practice?

Answer 17

1. Whole practice
2. Whole-part-whole practice
3. Progressive part practice

Question 18

Definition of whole practice

Answer 18

Practicing the skill in its entirety

Question 19

Definition of whole-part-whole practice

Answer 19

Assessing the skill, identifying a weakness to practice, then putting the skill back together.

Question 20

Definition of progressive part practice

Answer 20

Practicing the first part of the skill then adding parts on gradually. Sometimes called chaining.

Question 21

Advantages and disadvantages of whole practice

Answer 21

Advantages:
- creates specific images that can be stored as a motor programme.
- more realistic than part practice so it produces positive transfer
- helps make the skill consistent

Disadvantages:
- too much information to process
- cause fatigue
- not for beginners

Question 22

Advantages and disadvantages of whole-part-whole practice

Answer 22

Advantages:
- detects and corrects weakness

Disadvantages:
- time consuming
- some skills cannot be broken down (high organised skills)

Question 23

Advantages and disadvantages of progressive part practice

Answer 23

Advantages:
- keeps links between parts
- stages of success gives motivation
- reduces fatigue

Disadvantages:
- time consuming
- negative transfer
- if the first part is incorrect, all is lost

Question 24

What are the types of practice?

Answer 24

1. Massed practice
2. Distributed practice
3. Varied practice
4. Mental practice

Question 25

Definition of massed practice

Answer 25

No rest intervals

Question 26

Definition of distributed practice

Answer 26

Rest intervals

Question 27

Definition of mental practice

Answer 27

Going over the skill in the mind without movement

Question 28

Definition of varied practice

Answer 28

Changing the practice type and the practice drills

Question 29

Advantages and disadvantages of massed practice

Answer 29

Advantages:
- forms motor programmes
- increased fitness
- creates habitual response

Disadvantages:
- no time for feedback
- fatigue
- too demanding

Question 30

Advantages and disadvantages of distributed practice

Answer 30

Advantages:
- allows recovery
- less danger
- allows feedback

Disadvantages:
- time consuming
- negative transfer

Question 31

Advantages and disadvantages of varied practice

Answer 31

Advantages:
- builds a schema
- gives motivation
- allows adaptation

Disadvantages:
- fatigue
- too demanding
- could cause negative transfer

Question 32

Advantages and disadvantages of mental practice

Answer 32

Advantages:
- improves reaction time
- builds confidence
- controls anxiety

Disadvantages:
- must be correct
- environment must be calm