Skill and ability

Question 1

Skill

Answer 1

‘The learned ability to bring about pre-determined results with maximum certainty, often with the minimum outlay of time or energy or both.’ - Barbara Knapp (1977)

Question 2

Ability

Answer 2

Physical attributes that affect an athlete’s potential in a sport
Largely determined genetically i.e. they are natural or innate

Question 3

Motor abilities

Answer 3

Genetically defined personal traits
e.g. co-ordination, reaction time + balance
- cannot easily be improved by practice or experience
- skills that require motor abilities
e.g. kicking a ball/performing a cartwheel (co-ordination), returning a tennis serve (reaction time) + performing a handstand (balance).

Question 4

Gross motor skills

Answer 4

Involve large muscle movements of the whole body or limbs

Question 5

Psychomotor skills

Answer 5

Ability to consciously make successful movements
e.g. curling the ball into the top corner in football

Question 6

Learning

Answer 6

‘The more or less permanent change in behaviour that is reflected in a change in performance.’ Knapp

Question 7

Performance

Answer 7

A demonstration of the solving of a problem or task at a given moment in time

Question 8

Link between learning and performance

Answer 8

As learning takes place we see a gradual improvement in performance

Question 9

Characteristics of an unskilled performer

Answer 9

Lack of confidence
Inefficient movements
Technique not fully controlled
Movements lack accuracy

Question 10

Characteristics of a skilled performer

Answer 10

High levels of confidence
Precise movements
Fully controlled techniques
Accurate movements

(Aesthetically pleasing, continuous, efficient, fluent, accurate, controlled, economic) - ACEFACE