Non-Linear Vs. Linear Pedagogy
Define Non-Linear Pedagogy
Non-linear pedagogy is a teaching approach based on the ecological model that encourages athletes to learn skills through exploration, adaptation, and problem-solving in realistic game environments rather than through repetitive drills.
Define the Dynamical Systems Theory
Contributes to the ecological model, it explains how complex systems with many interacting components self organize, how our bodies and brains work together to create movement and learn skills.
Define Self Organization
Individual can organize components of movement according to their environment and constraints
Define controlled distraction
Identifying distraction sources can help an athlete focus on an individual tasks. Adjusting to control for those distractions as much as possible is helpful for performance
Distinguish between non-linear and linear pedagogy
Teacher-centered approach
Skills are broken down into simpler movements without an exploratory environment
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Learner-centered approach
Movement skills are practiced in performance like environments to encourage individual solution finding
Skills are
Outline the Dynamical System Theory using an example
Movement patterns emerge from the interaction of the athlete, task, and environment, and athletes adapt and self-organize their actions based their environment. In soccer a player dribbling the ball constantly adjusts their speed, direction, and control depending on where defenders are, how much space they have, and the pressure of the game situation.
Distinguish between Self Organization and Perception-Action Coupling
Movement patterns naturally organize based on constraints and environment without direct instruction
Focuses on how the body and actions form during performance
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The link between what an athlete perceives in the environment and how they respond with movement
Focuses on how information guides immediate action
Distinguish between broad and narrow attentional focus
focus on many different aspects in the competition or environment simultaneously
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focus on only one or two cues
Describe the ecological model
Explains skill learning as the interaction between the performer, the task, and the environment. It suggests that athletes develop movement solutions by adapting to different constraints and situations, emphasizing perception, decision-making, and self-organization rather than memorizing one “perfect” technique.
Describe key terms of the Dynamical Systems Theory
Self-organization is when an individual organizes their movements based on the environment and constraints. Degrees of freedom are the many interacting parts of the human body that create movement. Constraints are the personal, task, and environmental factors that influence performance. Adaptation is the continuous adjustment of movement patterns in response to change. Affordances are the opportunities for action offered by the environment. Perception-action coupling is the link between what an athlete perceives and how they respond with movement.
Outline Perception-Action Coupling
The relationship between an athletes’ actions and informationfrom the environment in which those actions take place
Describe the controlled distractions, deliberate decisions, performance goals and routines.
Intentionally making the decision to be focused
Behavioral outcomes that direct attention towards task relevant information
Doing the same actions prior to every task to prepare
Describe the relationship between an athletes’ actions and information from the environment
In the ecological model, an athlete’s actions are directly linked to information from the environment through perception-action coupling. Athletes constantly observe cues such as opponents’ movements, space, speed, and timing, then adjust their actions in response. This allows movement and decision-making to adapt continuously during performance.
Explain Self Organisation using a sports example
When an athlete’s movements naturally organize based on the environment and constraints without needing strict instructions. In sport, this can be seen in basketball when a player drives to the basket. Instead of following a fixed movement pattern, they automatically adjust their speed, dribbling, and body position depending on defenders, available space, and timing.
Distinguish between the different types of constraints
Individual /// Task /// Environmental
Personal factors that affect performance such as age, skill level, motivation, body size, or fitness
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Factors related to the activity such as rules, equipment, and the goal of the task
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External factors such as weather, space, playing surface, or crowd noise
Distinguish attention, concentration, and focus
an active awareness of what you are observing
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the ability to perform with a clear and present focus
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the central point of your attention
Evaluate the linear pedagogy
pros:
Builds strong basic technique through repetition
Easy for coaches to organize and assess
Helpful for beginners learning fundamentals
Creates consistency in movement patterns
Clear progression from simple to complex skills
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cons:
Can limit creativity and exploration
Practice may not reflect real game situations
Athletes may struggle adapting to unpredictable environments
Less emphasis on decision-making and perception-action coupling
Describe affordances in the Dynamical Systems Theory
The opportunities for action that the environment offers an athlete, depending on their abilities and the situation.
Describe how personal constraints can negatively affect an athlete using an example
A basketball player with low confidence may hesitate to take shots or make quick decisions during a game, leading to missed opportunities and slower reactions.
Evaluate arousal and attention narrowing for an athlete's performance
pros:
Increases alertness and energy, helping athletes react faster and perform with more intensity
Helps athletes concentrate on key cues during performance, improving accuracy in skills distractions
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cons:
Can become too high, leading to stress and loss of coordination or control
May cause athletes to miss important information in the environment
Can create “tunnel vision,” limiting awareness of teammates or opponents