The characteristics of skilful movement

Key processes in physical education Developing skills in physical activity. Making and applying decisions. Developing physical and mental capacity. Evaluating and improving. Making informed choices about healthy, active lifestyles.

Evaluating and Improving Being able to judge the quality and effectiveness of performance. Being able to judge the quality and effectiveness of performance. Make informed decisions on improving the quality and effectiveness of performance. Make informed decisions on improving the quality and effectiveness of performance. Develop action plans to improve the quality and effectiveness of performance. Develop action plans to improve the quality and effectiveness of performance. Plan for sustained involvement in physical activity. Plan for sustained involvement in physical activity.

skill Performing a specific task. The quality of a particular action

skill A skilled movement is one in which a predetermined objective is accomplished with maximum efficiency and a minimum outlay of energy. A skilled movement is one in which a predetermined objective is accomplished with maximum efficiency and a minimum outlay of energy.

skill We use skilful to describe a task such as kicking a ball and are describing the overall actions of someone who is good at what they do. Skill develops with experience and repetitive practice

Characteristics of skilful movement Co-ordinated controlled Looks good Seems effortless Good technique efficient fluent aesthetic consistent

Skill performed consistently Effortless and natural Skill performed quickly and efficiently with little wasted energy Fluent Can refine and adapt to meet precise situations Aesthetically pleasing Skill performance is ‘hit or miss’ Lack of control A lot of effort put in to produce often less effective performance Novice becomes tired more quickly Clumsy and slow Not able to adapt when necessary Skilled performer Novice or beginner

Skill is usually a combination of Motor skills Perceptual skills Cognitive skills

Motor skills Gross Gross E.g. throwing Fine Fine

Perceptual skills A complex concept that involves interpretation of stimuli. Sports players have to assess the position of their team mates and opposition and decide where to pass the ball and how hard to pass it. This interpretation of info is called perception and the skill required is called perceptual skill

Cognitive skills These are skills that involve the intellectual ability of the performer. These skills affect the perceptual process and help us to make sense of a given situation. They are essential if the performer is to make correct and effective decisions

Are skilful people born with their skills, or do they learn them? Are skilful people born with their skills, or do they learn them?

The answer is probably a mixture of both. We all have abilities that are thought to be predetermined genetically and these influence our potential But skills can be acquired and improved

Sports related skills won’t necessarily be ready-programmed in people’s minds. However, if we are given a good grasp of fundamental motor skills when young, these will underpin the learning of more complex skills as we grow older. We will be able to identify common actions and then transfer these between skills and activities.

e.g. throwing

Performance and outcome goals Goal setting is widely used to motivate people to exercise and follow a healthy lifestyle. In sport, goal setting is a useful strategy for training and performance. Goal setting is a proven way of increasing motivation, increasing confidence and controlling anxiety

Performance goals These are directly related to the performance or technique of the activity, e.g. to improve passing or shooting techniques They tend to be short term

Outcome goals These are concerned with the end result – whether you win or lose, for instance. An outcome goal in football might be to win an individual game or a tournament Tend to be medium to long term

Goals can affect performance in a number of ways: They focus your attention and concentration They direct your efforts in a particular way They increase the amount of effort They are motivating to the performer, who often wants to develop a variety of strategies to be successful