AS Level PE - Skill Acquisition (Part 1)

AS Level PE - Skill Acquisition (Part 1)

1. The Nature of Skill and Ability

   • Skill
     • Skill is the learned ability to bring about predetermined results with maximum certainty, often with the minimum outlay of time or energy or both.
     • Skills are...
       • Learned
         • It requires practice and develops through experience. Being skilled involves a permanent change in behaviour that will stand the test of time.
       • Goal Directed
         • Each skill has a predetermined objective at the beginning of the movement.
       • Consistent
         • The phrase 'maximum certainty' is a key element, reflecting the ability of the performer to repeat the skill despite differing environmental conditions.
       • Efficient
         • The actions are performed with coordination and precision using the required amount of energy necessary.
       • Fluent
         • The actions appear to flow naturally rather than forced, with good balance and timing.
       • Recognisable
         • The skill is instantly recognisable and its execution can be compared to other performers, allowing an analysis of performance to occur.
       • Aesthetic
         • The execution of the skill is pleasing to observe, appearing controlled and effective within the context of the situation.
     • Types of Skills
       • Cognitive
         • Skills that involve thought processes and intellectual ability. Examples include devising appropriate strategies and tactics to outwit an opponent and calculating scores.
       • Motor
         • Skills that involve physical movement and muscular control linked to a specific objective. Examples include high jump and badminton serves.
       • Perceptual
         • Skills that involve the detection and interpretation of stimuli fro the environment. For example, a netball player has to locate their team mates location and their own location.
       • Psychomotor (Perceptual Motor)
         • Combination of perceptual and motor skills and used during sporting performance. For example, a rugby player will have to analyse the environment to decide whether the best option is to kick the ball or pass it.
   • Classification of Skills
     • Open/Closed Continuum
       • Open skills are directly affected by the environment because
         • The environment is unstable and changing.
         • The environment is not predictable.
         • The skills require constant adjustment to suit the situation.
         • The skills are perceptual and involve decision making.
         • They are usually externally-paced.
         • Decisions need to be made quickly.
       • Closed skills are not directly affected by the environment because
         • The environment is stable and constant.
         • The environment is predictable.
         • The skills can be repeated consistently when learned or habitual.
         • The skills are pre-learned in a set routine and require minimal adjustment.
         • They are usually self-paced.
         • Decisions are pre-planned.
     • Gross/Fine Continuum
     • Self-Paced/Externally-Paced Continuum
     • Discrete/Serial/Continuous Continuum