Motor learning and coaching

Question 1

What is the transfer of learning?

Answer 1

It is the effect that past experiences have on the learning of a new skill
You use prior knowledge of a skill to enhance or hinder the learning process of a new skill

Question 2

What are the three categories of skill

Answer 2

Skill to skill
Theory to practice
Training to competition

Question 3

What is a skill to skill transfer of learning?

Answer 3

When knowledge of one skill has an impact on the learning of another skill

Question 4

What is a theory to practice transfer of learning?

Answer 4

Knowing the theory behind a skill, could include the key points of execution and putting it physically into practice

Question 5

What are examples of theory to practice learning

Answer 5

• coaches devising game plans, tactics and strategies for opposing teams and individual players
• theory to practice also includes a coach illustrating a particular play or set piece move on a white board and the players practicing the play

Question 6

What is training to competition transfer of learning?

Answer 6

performing skills in training that mimic the competition

May involve high intensity situations to make sure there is a high level of transfer

Question 7

What are examples of training to competition skills?

Answer 7

Coaches must plan and implement training sessions which replicate the demands of the game
> includes the development of appropriate skills, energy systems and the decision making process
Players should be exposed to game specific situations to allow them to develop their information processing and correct decision making mechanism
> eg. pressure defence intensity is similar to the game

Question 8

What are effects of transfer of learning?

Answer 8

They a sport/activities which have some cognitive processes, muscles coordination that helps/assists with learning
>kicking, spiking technique, tackling ability and technique
>Components of fitness, energy systems, balance, co-ordination, strength, power etc.

Question 9

What is a positive transfer of learning?

Answer 9

When previous experiences of one sport enhances/helps the performance of a new skill/sport

Question 10

What are examples of a positive transfer of learning?

Answer 10

Sprinting 100m or 200m enhances the running action of the long jump
Two skills are often similar in some way eg. free throw in basketball and netball goal shooting

Question 11

What is a negative transfer of learning?

Answer 11

When a previous experience of one skill/sport negatively impacts/hinders the performance of a new skill/sport
Skills may have a similar action but there are critical differences in technique

Question 12

What are examples of a negative transfer of learning?

Answer 12

Javelin throwing action can negatively impact the shot put action
Squash and tennis have similar actions but critical differences
> Squash shot involves a wrist movement
> Tennis involves full arm action/ doesn’t involve wrist movement

Question 13

What is a zero transfer of learning?

Answer 13

When previous skills have no impact on the performance of a new skill/sport

Question 14

What are examples of skills that have a zero transfer of learning?

Answer 14

Javelin throwing action wont influence the 200m or long jump

No transfer of learning occurs in golf and football

Question 15

How are athletes who have been exposed to a wide variety of movement experiences benefit in sport?

Answer 15

They are able to recognise and select relevant cues from the environment
They process information received faster and more accurately
Have more responses available to select from
Better execute the selected response

Question 16

What are coaching styles influenced by?

Answer 16

Personality of the coach
Motivation of performer
Phase of season
Experience of players
Specific situation the coach is in

Question 17

What is an authoritarian coach?

Answer 17

Tends to make all the decisions
Very strict style of coach
Coach believes that they have all the knowledge and experience to impart on the players
Role of the players is to attend to, and respond to, the coachs demands
Less confident players are intimidated
Effective when the team is winning
Less effective if team is losing

Question 18

What are characteristics of an authoritarian coach?

Answer 18

intense energy and is well organised
Demands attention to detail by the players
Punish those who make mistakes
Winning is the only goal
Confrontational when challenged

Question 19

When is an authoritarian coach appropriate?

Answer 19

When high levels of safety are a concern
When training needs to be high intensity to build fitness
Very inexperienced players who can’t provide input
Athletes who needs direction and focus
Athletes who value extrinsic motivation
Athletes who want to know where they stand
Young athletes learning the game
Autocratic doesn’t necessarily mean angry/aggressive

Question 20

What is a democratic coach?

Answer 20

Maintains open communication with players
Players involved in decision making
Players fell like they have a degree of ownership in the team
Positive and negative feedback is used to reinforce and promote learning
Very good for inexperienced players
Enjoyment is important
Liked by players
May not provide enough motivation for some performers

Question 21

What are characteristics of a democratic leader

Answer 21

Tends to be very flexible
Strives to create an atmosphere of mutual respect
Concerned for the welfare of the players

Question 22

When is a democratic leader appropriate?

Answer 22

Intrinsically motivated athletes
Experienced athletes who have knowledge and valid input in the group
Plenty of time to have discussions and make decisions together as a group
To give leadership groups (cap/vice) some responsibility and decision making power

Question 23

What is a laissezz faire coach?

Answer 23

Relaxed and easy going who establishes an informal environment
No pressure on the players to perform
Tends to be less organised and prepared
Works best with experienced players who can make their own decisions
Offers guidance and advice when asked
Limited improvement
Inexperienced players unsure of what to do
Serious players often find the coaching style unsatisfactory

Question 24

What are some characteristics of a laissez fair coach?

Answer 24

Provides little instruction and minimal guidance in organising activities
Creates relaxed atmosphere due to lack of general direction
Coach exerts little influence on players

Question 25

When is a laissez faire coach appropriate?

Answer 25

athletes have high intrinsic motivation levels allow players to work out strategies and patterns of play very experienced athletes which allows creativity pre-season to see who steps up and shows leadership qualities athletes only require advising and make final decision

Question 26

When is an authoritarian coach not appropriate?

Answer 26

athletes who don't want to have an input in decision making athletes who want to do their own thing (can't follow a game plan) athletes who want to have an opinion

Question 27

Why would a coach combine different coaching styles?

Answer 27

Depends on the needs of the team, the situation they are facing mix styles to suit the time of season or when they deal with different players Not all coaches change their coaching style

Question 28

When are the different types of coaching used?

Answer 28

Laissez faire: > used BRIEFLY in the preseason to see who 'steps up' and which players show leadership traits >can also be used in the off season Autocratic: > can be used in the preseason phase as the coaches establish authority and control over group Democratic: > Used during the in-season and finals as it incorporates the team in decision making but the coach has the final say

Question 29

What are the four steps in the basic coaching process?

Answer 29

1. Introduce the skill to be learned 2. Demonstrate and explain the skill 3. Practice the skill 4. Correct errors/provide feedback

Question 30

What happens when you introduce the skill in the basic coaching process?

Answer 30

Get athletes attention Make sure they can all see and hear Explain name of skill and how/ when it is used

Question 31

What happens when you demonstrate and explain the skill in the basic coaching process?

Answer 31

Demonstrate the skill to the athletes Point out 2-3 key points of technique required for a successful performance Check the group understands what is required by asking questions of them

Question 32

What happens when you practice the skill in the basic coaching process?

Answer 32

Begin practicing the skill as soon as possible after the demonstration Practice should be fun and motivating Needs to be appropriate to skill level of the group

Question 33

What happens when you correct errors and provide feedback in the basic coaching process?

Answer 33

Learners are provided with feedback about performance | Learners practice some more, and try to incorporate the feedback received

Question 34

What are simple to complex skills?

Answer 34

Start with a simplified or basic version of the skill and then progressing to a more complicated or advanced version of the skill

Question 35

What are simple skills?

Answer 35

Straightforward and typically require little practice to learn Require little cognitive ability as they consist of a limited number of component part Limited decision making required Taught as a whole

Question 36

What are complex skills?

Answer 36

``` Are difficult to learn and so require repeated practice to learn Require more cognitive ability Consist of many component parts More decision making required May need to be broken down to be taught ```

Question 37

What are the two methods for teaching simple skills?

Answer 37

``` 1. Imitation method >Coach demonstrates, learner copies >Minor adjustments made as needed >Learning made via observation 2. Demonstration/Explanation/Pratice/Correction: >Coach demonstartes and explains the skill >Learner practice >Feedback and correction is provided >More practice follows >More feedback and correction etc. ```

Question 38

What is the definition of an Authoritarian coach?

Answer 38

Coach is the clear leader who makes all decisions. | They define clear team rules on and off the field and are severe on people who break them

Question 39

What is the definition of an democratic coach?

Answer 39

Players and other coaches can be involved in the decision making process Delegates coaching tasks to senior players or support staff and allows input from others in future directions of the team

Question 40

What is the definition of a laissez faire coach?

Answer 40

A laid back coaching style that makes very few decisions | They place the onus on the players to prepare themselves for the impending play

Question 41

What is shaping and chaining?

Answer 41

Shaping is a simplified version of the skill | Chaining breaks the skill into component parts

Question 42

Explain shaping:

Answer 42

guiding the actions/incomplete, simplified version of the skill Learners learn through praise, demonstrations, key phases, gestures as feedback/rewards Begin with starting technique and guide for better technique Coach provides feedback and makes adjustments to technique during the progressions Shaping is suitable for complex skills which have simultaneous elements

Question 43

How would hurdles be broken down into shaping?

Answer 43

1. Athletes run over 5-10 cones set apart at a distance which allows the learner to take 3 strides between cones 2. Replace cones with low, lightweight hurdles that offer no resistance when hit 3. Gradually increase the height of hurdles to competition height with minimum toppling weight 4. Gradually increase the toppling weight and spacing between hurdles to competition standards

Question 44

Explain chaining:

Answer 44

Learning how to link each sequential action of batting from one to the next Focus on one aspect at a time in the skill > eg cricket. grip, stance, shift weight, backswing, forward swing, contact, follow through

Question 45

Definition of chaining:

Answer 45

Each step involves the exact technique required for the whole skill, and the skill is built upon by adding point by point until the skill is practised as a whole

Question 46

Elements of chaining:

Answer 46

Breakdown skill into component parts Start by teaching the first part - practice until perfect add next part - practice until perfect add next part etc. no progression is made until previous part is perfect Chaining is suitable for teaching skills with sequential parts

Question 47

What is the difference between forward and backward chaining?

Answer 47

Forward chaining: components of the skill are rehearsed in the order that the whole skill is performed (starting with first part of the skill) Backward chaining: Practised with the last component first and the whole skill is built by working backwards

Question 48

How is the complexity of skill determined?

Answer 48

1. the number of component parts involved in the skill 2. The amount of information processing required to perform the skill 3. How much accuracy is required 4. How quickly the task must be performed

Question 49

When do you use shaping or chaining?

Answer 49

Influenced by two factors 1. Task complexity >The number of skills required to complete the task 2. Task organisation >How dependant each phase of the skill is on the previous part +Skills with high complexity and low organisation are best taught using chaining eg. gymnastics routine +Skills with high task organisation but low task complexity are best taught using shaping eg. hurdling

Question 50

What are static drills?

Answer 50

A drill that begins with the player being stationary to execute the skill, and gradually adds in the movement required, until it is performed at the speed and intensity required by the competition

Question 51

what are characteristics of static drills?

Answer 51

Performer practices skill in stationary position Can concentrate on technique without attending to other factors Limited decision making Predictable (closed) environment Beneficial when learning a new skill

Question 52

What are characteristics of dynamic drills?

Answer 52

Performer is moving Environement becomes less and less predictable (open) Increased decision making is required Drills become more game like/related and more difficult Used to extend skill development eg. Water polo players are passing ball in a game specific environment

Question 53

What does it mean when a skill transfers from static to dynamic?

Answer 53

As the process of beginning with the skill without moving and progressing to performing the skill while moving or performing additional tasks

Question 54

What are the processes of a reflective learner?

Answer 54

1. reflection 2. Recognition of things that need to improve 3. Planning for future improvement 4. Action

Question 55

What are the methods for detecting technique error?

Answer 55

1. Reflective journals/diary/training log 2. peer/coach/mentor feedback 3. Video analysis 4. Questionares 5. Checklists

Question 56

How are reflective journals used to detect technique errors?

Answer 56

used to record feelings and emotions keeps a record of failures, successes and suggestions for improvement records what has been achieved and possibilities for the future Are reviewed from time to time eg. "I feel like I spike the ball best when..."

Question 57

How is mentor feedback used to detect technique errors?

Answer 57

a significant other in the life of the athlete, they assist by providing critical constructive feedback to help the performer continue to improve Mentor must be supportive throughout the whole process

Question 58

How can video analysis be used to detect technique error?

Answer 58

Error detection Record, review, feedback and training Can be paused/ played frame by frame/ slowed down to allow closer analysis of technique Alllows athlete to compare current performance with past performances Allows athlete to compare their performance with elite athletes Change technique to replicated elite athletes

Question 59

How can questionaires be used to detect technique error?

Answer 59

given to players to gather information about individual players, the leadership group, potential leaders and the coaching staff Feedback from the questionare can then be used to make changes if required and to guide the development of the team, individuals and its leaders

Question 60

What are the two types of movement analysis?

Answer 60

Quantitative analysis and qualitative analysis

Question 61

What is quantitative analysis?

Answer 61

Uses numbers like body skinfolds, blood lactate levels, angle and speed of release, instantaneous velocity, acceleration etc. It is objective

Question 62

What is qualitative analysis?

Answer 62

Refers to description/analysis of the movement without using numbers Systemativ approach is the knudsen-morrison model of skill analysis It is subjective

Question 63

What is the Knudsen-Morrison Model?

Answer 63

It is a five step process aimed at analysing then improving performance

Question 64

What are the five phases of the Knudsen-Morrison Model?

Answer 64

1. Preparation phase 2. Observation Phase 3. Evaluation phase 4. Intervention phase 5. Re-observation phase

Question 65

What occurs in the preparation phase of the Knudsen-Morrison model?

Answer 65

Coach is concerned with the process of developing a prerequisite knowledge base about the particular skill Coach must know points of technique required to produce the skill correctly Includes all movements that prepare the athlete for the performance of the skill Includes grip, run-up, stance and backswing Learns the execution of the skill Focusses on followthrough

Question 66

What occurs in the observation phase of the Knudsen-Morrison model?

Answer 66

Involves the systematic gathering of information about the performance or movement Decide on best way to observe and gather information about the kill >Best angle/method to record the skill >Direct observation or video >Observe/record several trials for more accurate results >How close to the object are they going to be

Question 67

What occurs in the evaluation phase of the Knudsen-Morrison model?

Answer 67

Identify strength and weaknesses of the performer, prioritise in order of importance for correction and identify methods which can be used to improve performance Mark off checklists which the performers are doing well List weaknesses in order of priotiry of correction: >critical- performance inhibiting and require immediate work >less critical- less impact on performance and work over a period of time Larger changes are done in off season as they require more time to be executed Technical flaws that don't impact performance may not always be addressed

Question 68

What happens in the intervention phase of the Knudsen-Morrison Model?

Answer 68

Involved providing feedback and corrections to the performer, usually under practice conditions to improve performance Coaches explain what errors are occurring and why, describes what drills/activities should be done to address the performer

Question 69

What are the three functions of feedback?

Answer 69

1. Motivate the player: >Coach provides feedback which motivates the performer to continue to strive for improvement or to re-assure that progress is occuring >Must be realistic 2. Change performance: >Feedback given aimed at changing current level of performance >Describes what needs to be changed for future attempts >Positive feedback should also be included in words of encouragement 3. Reinforce learning: >feedback can be used to reinforce learning or performance which increases chances of repeated behaviour

Question 70

What is the re-observation phase of the Knudsen - Morrison model?

Answer 70

Observe the performer in a similar context to initial observation phase to see if changes have occurred to improve performance Is further intervention needed?