Motor learning and coaching and Sport Psychology

Question 1

Define transfer of learning

Answer 1

Transfer of learning is the influence of past experiences on the learning/performance of new skills.

Question 2

3 categories of transfer of learning

Answer 2

Skill to Skill
Theory to practice
Training to competition

Question 3

Define skill to skill learning

Answer 3

Defined as: When previous experience or practice of a skill impacts on the execution of the skill in a new context

Question 4

Explain what theory to practice transfer of learning involves

Answer 4

Refers to transferring knowledge of a sport or skill into the actual performance scenario
- Analysing team or opposition strengths and weaknesses
- Developing a game plan to succeed
- Describing specific strategies for game situations e.g. set free kick play in soccer.
- Showing movements on a whiteboard at training

Question 5

What is training to competition transfer of learning

Answer 5

Training sessions should replicate demands of the competition.
- Skills, energy systems, decision making

Training should allow development of information processing and decision making mechanisms.
- Game like drills in training will prepare athletes for competition.

Question 6

Explain negative effects on transfer of learning

Answer 6

Negative (inhibition) - Where a skill developed in one sport hinders the performance of a skill in another sport (e.g. Tennis forehand shot to badminton forehand)

Question 7

Explain the positive effects on transfer of learning

Answer 7

Positive (facilitation) - Where a skill developed in one sport helps the performance of a skill in another sport (e.g. Netball chest pass to basketball chest pass)

Question 8

Explain zero effect on transfer of learning

Answer 8

Zero - Where a skill in one sport has no impact on the learning of a new skill (e.g. Golf drive to AFL handball)

Question 9

Purpose and 5 steps of Knudsen and Morrison movement analysis model

Answer 9

To identify errors that may be limiting performance or to determine errors that might lead to injury.
Step 1: Preparation
Step 2: Observation
Step 3: Evaluation
Step 4: Intervention
Step 5: Re-Observation

Question 10

What occurs in the preparations stage? (Knudsen and Morrison)

Answer 10

Preparation Stage
The coach needs a pre-requisite knowledge base about the particular skill.
A checklist might be created that outlines key technical points to analyse.
(Generally a skill is broken down into the three phases of Preparation, Execution and Follow Through).

Question 11

What occurs in the observation stage? (Knudsen and Morrison)

Answer 11

Observation Stage
Information is systematically gathered about the performance or movement.
It’s important to plan how to best observe:
- Where will you observe: In a lab, at training, during competition
- Will you use video or direct observation?

Question 12

What occurs in the evaluation stage? (Knudsen and Morrison)

Answer 12

Evaluation Stage
A coach needs to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the performer.
- Prioritise order of importance for corrections
- Refer to checklist- what is being done correctly/incorrectly.

Question 13

What occurs in the intervention stage? (Knudsen and Morrison)

Answer 13

Intervention Stage
The coach will provide feedback and corrections to the performer, with the intention to improve performance.
- Feedback will be given to motivate, to change performance or to reinforce learning.
- Coach should explain what errors are occurring and why.
- Describe the drills and activities that should be done to address problems

Question 14

What occurs in the reevaluation stage? (Knudsen and Morrison)

Answer 14

The coach will re-observe the activity/skill to determine if improvement has been made.

Question 15

What are checklists + advantages and disadvantages?

Answer 15

Checklist will contain the key components of a skill to be analysed. They are usually broken into the 3 key phases of skill execution - preparation, execution, follow through.
Advantages of using a checklist:

-a written form of feedback, it can be kept/referred to provide key aspects of the ideal performance/technique required
- able to arrange information into strengths and weaknesses for the athlete
- provide athlete time to go through the feedback at own pace and plan for improvements

Disadvantages:
- may be too simple in design and not provide enough feedback/comments on technique/athlete
- may be lost or misplaced
- time consuming to complete

Question 16

Questionairres advantages and disadvantages?

Answer 16

Advantages:
- athlete can complete at a convenient time
- questions can be tailored to gain knowledge as required
- athlete and coach can use information together and plan for improvement

Disadvantages:
-questionnaire may be too simple in design and not provide enough feedback
- it may be lost or misplaced
- it may be time consuming to complete

Question 17

Peer feedback advantages and disadvantages?

Answer 17

Advantages:
- athlete may relate better to their peer providing the feedback than their coach
- athlete does not feel judged when feedback is coming from a peer
- improve psychology/wellbeing of athlete as they are able to express themselves more openly with their peer

Disadvantages:
- peer may not have the appropriate knowledge to provide the feedback
- peer may not express what they actually see so as to not hurt the athlete’s feelings
- athlete may ignore the feedback given as they might feel they know more

Question 18

Video analysis advantages and disadvantages?

Answer 18

Advantages:
- can be stored for future use by athlete and track progress
- can be compared against an exemplar
- can be reviewed multiple times by coach/athlete
- athlete can re-watch it immediately and make adjustments

Disadvantages:
- can restrict seeing athlete as a whole, if videoed from one angle
- it could be quite costly to purchase the video and analysis programs/apps
- if no sound, could be difficult to recall what was said
- may have limited storage capacity/quality of focus is poor

Question 19

Define and explain how you would teach shaping.
Provide example

Answer 19

When a simplified or incomplete version of a skill are practiced, and as mastery takes place the missing components are added.

• Demonstrate or explain the complete skill
• Use a simple or incomplete version that includes important actions
• Add missing elements
• Use more practice to build speed, accuracy & fluency.
• Order of components is less important.

E.g. Focus on high elbow lift in freestyle practice. Throw a tennis ball when learning how to spike in volleyball. Use tennis racquet and a tee to hit a baseball.

Question 20

Define and explain chaining and why its useful. Provide an example.

Answer 20

When a skill is broken down into separate components and practiced individually. Each component is then joined back together. Can be forward chained or backward chained.

• Break the skill into key component parts.
• Practice each part (perfecting each part before moving on to the next).
• You can forward or backwards chain - begin at the beginning of the skill (forward) or end (backward).
• The order is important.

-Increases confidence & motivation are increased
- Useful for those with limited attention
- It is time consuming

E.g. Triple jump - teach the hop, then the step and finally the jump. Put each part together.

Question 21

When it authoritarian leadership useful?

Answer 21

The authoritarian style is useful when the situation requires:

• High pressure situation and the coach can assume responsibility for making decisions (e.g. Finals).
• Involvement of large groups.
• If the team has a low degree of cohesion and can’t make decisions themselves.
• If the team has minimal experience as the coach is highly knowledgeable so can teach.

Question 22

When is democratic leadership style useful?

Answer 22

The democratic style is useful:
- When time is not limited or important so decisions can be discussed and examined
- The goal is to encourage collaborative problem solving and decision making
- Groups are small so everyone can be heard
- When players are experienced and will have good ideas to contribute

Question 23

What do strategies such as self-talk, relaxation, performance routines, goal setting, and imagery have a relationship to?

Answer 23

• Self confidence
• Concentration
• Arousal regulation
• Motivation

Question 24

Self talk definition and example

Answer 24

Defined as the conscious and subconscious positive dialog that occurs in your mind before, during and after competition

Question 25

Relaxation definition and example

Answer 25

Defined as techniques that establish a physical and mental state of wellbeing.

Example: Taking 3 deep breaths before a free throw

Question 26

Performance routines definition and example

Answer 26

Defined as a consistent procedure used to prepare for competition. A sequence of actions regularly followed.

Example: An athlete may bounce the ball twice before a free throw

Question 27

Imagery definition and example

Answer 27

Defined as a mental rehearsal that involves using all your senses to envision a successful outcome in your mind

Question 28

Define goal setting and give an example (SMARTER)

Answer 28

A goal is a specific level of performance or skill level that you want to achieve.

Example: Any goal set through the SMARTER acronym
S: Specific
M: Measurable
A: Achievable
R: Realistic
T: Time-bound
E: Evaluated
R: Reviewed

Question 29

Task cohesion definition and example

Answer 29

The way the team works together to achieve common goals.

For example, creating and discussing a match strategy prior to the game based on knowledge of the opponent’s game.

Question 30

Social cohesion definition and example

Answer 30

The way in which the team works together and the bonds and relationships between members.

For example, encouraging each other and giving a high five when a point is won.

Question 31

In terms of task and social cohesion, which combination is less successful.

Answer 31

Teams with high social cohesion but low task cohesion are less successful.

Question 32

3 factors affecting group cohesion

Answer 32

Social loafing, style of leadership and team dynamics will all affect group cohesion.

Question 33

Social loafing definition

Answer 33

When individuals reduce their effort when performing in a group and hide their lack of effort amongst the effort of other group members.

Question 34

How can social loafing be reduced

Answer 34

• Make each task important or meaningful to those performing it.
• Ensure people understand that that their own efforts are necessary for a successful outcome.
• Identify the contribution of an individual using with player statistics (AFL, Cricket, Basketball)
• Punish the group for poor performance.

Question 35

How can players develop team cohesion?

Answer 35

• Get to know the members of the group and create team unity.
• Help other members wherever possible, knowing strengths and weaknesses and accepting individual differences.
• Give positive reinforcement to other members of the group.
• Be responsible, don’t apply blame to other team members instead make positive, constructive changes.
• Communicate honestly and openly with the coach or leader.
• Give 100% effort all the time as dedication and commitment are contagious to other members of the group.

Question 36

What factors affect team dynamics?

Answer 36

• Size of the team
• Players motivations
• How long the players have played together
• The age of the players
• Contracts