Skill Acquisition

Transfer of learning means taking skills from sport & attempting to use them in another. Can be positive when knowledge of skill helps learning of another or negative when transfer becomes hindrance

Positive transfer Occurs when skills have similar shape or form, e.g. using overarm throwing technique to help learn a tennis serve, or throw javelin Must be similarity in structure of skill components Can be enhanced if these similar elements are shown to learners Negative transfer Effects of previously learned or practised skill impede learning/performance of new skill, e.g. difference in throwing actions between cricket return from boundary (round arm) & javelin throw (through the shoulder) Negative transfer can occur if practice situation doesn’t demand same response as playing/competitive situation

Newly learned skill influences previously learned skill Opposite of proactive and occurs when current learning/practice of skill affecting skill learned in past

No effect on current performance or learning from previous learning Two skills so different there’s no chance of any correlation, e.g. rock climbing & swimming

Transfer of learning/performance from one side of body to other, e.g. when basketball player who can do lay up with right hand learns to do it with left hand

Motivation = biological, emotional, cognitive or social factors that activate & direct behaviour Motivation = direction & intensity of one’s effort - can be intrinsic or extrinsic Music - Develop their own “playlists”, power songs - commonly used strategy Goal setting – engaging athlete, setting goals achievable & challenging. Performance review monitoring can be used by coach to set goals & identify areas that need further work Video analysis - athletes able to see what changes needed to improve & can also give athletes opportunity to discuss problems Motivation - can have negative effect on performer, losing can be demotivating, affecting athlete’s performance. Motivation will be high as performer nears start of new season

Period of time during which there’s no change in performance – levelling off Learning plateau = forward progress seems to have stopped while engaged in learning new skill/improving existing skill Coach could provide positive feedback & visual guidance Use of extrinsic rewards & plenty of encouragement to keep athlete engaged Varied sessions, training programme to incorporate appropriate rest & recovery – avoid mental/physical fatigue

Intrinsic Motivation – comes from within performer - desire to perform well & succeed Primary motivation - derives from pride, pleasure & satisfaction in completing task determination to achieve personal goals Repeated goal setting to progress & maintain motivation Rehearsal of successful habits until they’re perfected Extrinsic Motivation – comes from source outside of performer - Secondary motivation Tangible rewards – physical rewards, for example medals, trophies & money Intangible rewards – which could come from other people, when receiving praise, recognition from coach, public, parents & peers. Removal of external rewards may diminish individual’s motivation to take part

Effects of positive transfer: Clear & concise demonstrations used where learner able to transfer elements of demonstration to aid performance Closer practice is to replication of game situation, greater chance of positive transfer Simplify task during initial learning & transfer it later into real situation Limiting effects of negative transfer: Performer helped to understand requirements of task before beginning practice Environment in which skill is learned & practised must match that experienced in applied situation Avoid confusion between new and old skill by correct cue selection

Gross Motor Ability: AKA physical proficiency abilities, usually involve movement & related to physical fitness Potential physical movement/underpins physical skills/genetic Strength, speed, flexibility Dynamic strength, exerting muscular force repeated over period of time, e.g. press-ups Static strength, max strength exerted against object, e.g. lifting max weight Psychomotor Ability: relates to processing info or decision making/initiate movement (rather than actual movements) genetic decisions into action Reaction time, co-ordination Aiming, being able to aim accurately at a small object, e.g. throwing cricket ball at wicket