Schemas

Question 1

What does the schema theory suggest?

Answer 1

That rather than use a structured set of movements to develop skills, the core principles can be taken from an existing motor programme and then adapted, using some information from the environment and by using feedback from the senses.

Question 2

What’s an example of the schema theory?

Answer 2

The skill of throwing a javelin probably uses a motor programme that is made up of sub-routines such as grip, arm action and follow-through.

The coaching points for the javelin throw could be adapted for use in the goalkeeper throw in football.

Question 3

What are the parts of a schema?

Answer 3

Initial conditions
Response specifications
Sensory consequences
Response outcome

Question 4

What are the initial conditions?

Answer 4

Information from the environment about where and when to start the task.

Question 5

What are examples of initial conditions?

Answer 5

Position on the court
Placing of the limbs just prior to the action
Location of the performer with regard to other players

Question 6

What are the response specification?

Answer 6

Information about what to do/requirements of the task

Question 7

What are examples of response specification?

Answer 7

Distance
Speed
Types of movement required

Question 8

What is a recall schema?

Answer 8

Initiates movement, comes before the action.

Involves gathering info and deciding what movement to perform.

Question 9

What is the recall schema made up of?

Answer 9

Initial conditions

Response specifications

Question 10

What is recognition schema made up of?

Answer 10

Sensory consequences

Response outcome

Question 11

What is the recognition schema?

Answer 11

Controls movement, happens during the action.

Gathers info about movement using feedback and info concerning the result of the movement.

Question 12

What are the sensory consequences?

Answer 12

Information about the feel of the movement.

Question 13

What are examples of sensory consequences?

Answer 13

The grip on the netball may be controlled using the sense of touch.
The strength in the pass may be controlled by the feel of movement during the arm action.

Question 14

How do sensory consequences work?

Answer 14

Information from the senses is used to control and apply the movement to the situation.
When a longer pass is needed to move the ball up the court, the arm action would be stronger and the grip firmer.

Question 15

What are the response outcomes?

Answer 15

Feedback about the results (success of actions) knowledge of results.

Question 16

What are examples of the response outcomes?

Answer 16

Did the pass reach the intended target.

Was the pass successful - If it was successful then the schema was successful.

Question 17

What are schemas made of?

Answer 17

Memories
Plans
Instructions

Question 18

What is a schema?

Answer 18

A generalised motor programme (GMP) - it can be adapted

Question 19

What things can be adapted?

Answer 19

Sequence of muscle contractions
Force of muscle contractions
Timing

Question 20

What can be done to ensure schemas are successful?

Answer 20

Varied Practice - encourages performers to become familiar with the changing to the schema.
Drills & Conditions - ensure performers adapt, conditioned games (3v2, attack vs defence).
Feedback - frequent, positive, highlight when schema can be used
Transfer - Highlight potential for positive transfer -basketball and netball chest pass
Reinforcement - Praise to encourage further use of schema, increase motivation and continue using new skill to enhance performance