Skill characteristics Flashcards
(28 cards)
What is the definition of a skill?
The learned ability to bring about predetermined results with the minimum outlay of time, energy or both.
What are the characteristics of a skill? (ACE FACE)
>Aesthetically pleasing >Consistent >Efficient >Fluent >Accurate >Controlled >Economical > A skill can also be Goal Directed as it has an aim
Skill classification - what is the use of continua?
> The classifications of a skill are based on clearly defined criteria and those criteria are included in a continua which shows the extent to which a skill matches the set of criteria.
It is important to know the criteria of a skill as the coach or player can then realise by how much a skill fits that criteria and so then practice can be adjusted.
What is the difference between an open and a closed skill? - environmental influences
> Open skill - A skill performed in an unpredictable environment and changes frequently. For example the change of positions on a picture or unexpected bounce of the ball.
Closed skill - A skill performed in a predictable environment. For example shot put is a repeated actions performed in unison so conditions of the throw are unlikely to change.
What is the difference between a gross and fine skill? - extent of muscle movement
> Gross skill - A skill that uses large muscle groups such as the shoulder muscles. For example a tackle in rugby.
Fine skill - A skill that uses more intricate muscles groups. For example the control of a shot returned in table tennis.
What is the difference between self paced and externally paced skills? - control and rate of execution
> Self paced - The performer controls the speed at which the skill is performed and often has some control on when to start. For example a penalty in football.
Externally paced - The performer has no control over when to start the skill or how fast it may be performed. For example a sailor must react to the speed of the wind.
What is the difference between a discrete, continuous and serial skill? - continuity
> Discrete - Has a clear beginning and end and has a one short sharp action. For example a tennis serve.
Continous - Has no clear beginning or end and often the end of one part of the skill is the start of the next. For example cycling as the pedalling is continuous until the task is over.
Serial - Several discrete skills are strung together in a specific order to perform a completed task. For example a gymnastics routine.
What are high and low organised skills?
> Low organised - A skill that can easily be broken down into sub routines. For example a swimming stroke (arm action, leg action, body position).
High organised - A skill that cannot be easily broken down into parts. For example a volley in football.
What is the difference between a simple and a complex skill? - degree of difficulty
> Simple skill - Needs limited decisions to be processed during its execution. For example a forward roll.
Complex skill - There are many decisions to make before the performer can attempt the skill. For example a dribble in hockey.
Transfer of learning is an essential feature of a skill that is learned. But what does transfer mean?
> Transfer - the effect of the learning and performance of one skill on the learning and performance of another.
Positive transfer
> When the learning of one skill helps the learning of another.
When two skills have a similar shape and form. So the movement of one skill helps the action of another.
For example the netball pass has a similar action to the basketball pass.
Negative transfer
> When the learning of one skill hinders the learning of another.
Happens when there might be some familiarity with the environment in which the two skills are performed and this familiarity may cause confusion when the actions of the two skills are not the same.
For example tennis serve uses the whole arm movement where as the badminton serve only uses the wrist.
Zero transfer
> When the learning of one skill has no impact on the learning of another.
The two skills have no similarities.
For example the swimming arm action and the foot placement in rock climbing.
Bilateral transfer
> When the learning of one skill is passed across the body from limb to limb.
For example a right footed footballer passing to their left foot so a shot would become equal on both feet.
How to ensure positive transfer?
> Helps players to acquire a greater range of skills.
Making sure training is realistic encourages positive transfer.
A coach should inshore that one skill is well learned before moving on to more advanced skills.
What are the 3 methods of presenting practice?
> Whole practice
Whole - Part - Whole practice
Progressive part practice
Whole practice is?
> Practicing the skill as its entirety.
Helps to create fluency within the skill
The coach may decide to use whole practice when:
- The skill is fast
- The skill is highly organised (cannot be broken down)
- The skill is simple
- The performer is advanced in the autonomous stage
For example a golf swing because it is fast, simple and discrete.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of whole practice?
Advantages
- Whole practice helps to create specific images that can be stored as a plan called motor programme which is stored in the long term memory.
- More realistic than part practice so helps to produce the effect of positive transfer.
- Helps to make the skill consistent and will help the performer to keep good habits.
Disadvantages
- May place unnecessary demands on the performer
- Possibility of fatigue
- Too much information to processes
Whole - Part - Whole practice is?
> Assessing the skill, identifying a weakness to practice, then putting the skill back together.
Used when a beginner is practicing a complex task and may need to focus on a specific part.
The coach can easily spot specific weaknesses to work on.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of whole - part - whole practice?
Advantages - Can promote motivation when success is achieved - Provides immediate feedback - Improving performance and correcting errors - Maintains the feel of the whole skill Disadvantages - May produce negative transfer effects - More time consuming
Progressive part practice is?
> Practising the first part of the skill and then adding parts gradually (process called chaining)
Used for serial skills when the order is important
Used when the skill is low organised and can be broken down into parts
For example learning a gymnastic skill
What are the advantages and disadvantages of progressive part practice?
Advantages
- Learner can focus on one specific part
- Learner can rest so fatigue is reduced
- Each part brings success so motivation is restored
- May improve the confidence of the performer
Disadvantages
- Time consuming
- Might neglect the feel of the whole task
- A danger of negative transfer
What are the 4 types of practice?
> Massed practice
Distributed practice
Varied practice
Mental practice
What is massed practice and the advantages and disadvantages?
> Massed practice is continuos and has no rest intervals. It is used when the skill is discrete, serial and the environment is closed.
Advantages
- Promotes fitness so the performer can cope with the demands of the task
- Without breaks the task becomes autonomous and so fixed responses are habitual
- Efficient use of time
Disadvantages
- Can produce fatigue
- Danger of negative transfer
- The practice should be kept simple due to high demand
