Motor Skills
What is motor learning?
It is field of science that studies and explains many aspects of human movement.
It aims to understand how humans learn (acquire) and remember (retain) the skills needed to perform specialised movements.
Define dynamic systems approach
The basic idea behind the dynamic systems approach is that the body is a complex system made up of millions of different parts, which are all constantly interacting with each other and the outside world.
The DSA suggests that our movements are co-ordinated and controlled through complext, non-linear interactions between all parts of the body. The DSA suggests that motor skills are learnt and carried out dynamically in response to certain variables, known as constraints.
Define cognitive systems approach
The basic idea behind the Cognitive Systems approach is that the brain works like a computer that controls the body. According to this approach, a part of the brain acts as the central command centre and creates an action plan for movement based on information it receives from the body’s various senses.
When a skill is practiced in a continuous constant manner: what practice type is it?
Massed practice
Define what feedback is
A term used to describe all the information an individual receives about their performance
Previous experience, physical characteristics, psychological characteristics, skill complexity and difficulty
What are the 3 constraints in dynamic systems approach
Task, environmental, individual
What are the 2 cognitive models of learning
- Information processing model
- Fitts and Posners stages of motor learning
In volleyball repeatedly digging a ball to a setter before moving to the same outside hitting position each time to perform a spike for the subsequent skill.
Serial Practice
Define intrinsic feedback
An internal or sensory information that a player receives during and after performing a skill
What is a motor skill?
Voluntary movements that involve the use of specific muscles with the goal of achieving a predetermined purpose or goal (eg: catching a ball, doing a push-up, running a race.)
What could be an environmental constraint in netball?
- Surface of court being wet or dry
- Noise of spectators
- Time of day
- Heat
- Sun in eyes
What are the 3 stages of Fitts and Posners model
Cognitive, associative and autonomous
Define drill
Drills are a common method for developing skills and they provide a more targeted approach to practice than simply training through open match-play.
What is the following practice type: After a basketball game a player might watch a replay of their performance and be given constructive criticism by their coach
Extrinsic - Knowledge of performance
What is a motor reflex?
Involuntary movements that are not consciously controlled and are not designed to achieve an intended goal.
What is a rate limiter?
When constraints have a negative effect on learning processes and restrict performance, they are referred to as rate limiters. Rate limiters can be related to the individual, the environment or the task.
What are the three stages of information processing model
Stimulus identification, response selection and response execution
When the task conditions align closely with match play, this referred to as specificity of practice
Define knowledge of results
Based on the outcome of a performance (result)
What are the 3 categories that motor skills can be grouped in?
Fine and gross motor skills – this category is based on the size of the muscles involved in the skill.
Open and closed motor skills – this category is based on the stability of the environment in which the skill is being performed.
Discrete, continuous and serial skills – this category is based on whether the skill has a specific beginning and end point.
What is the differences between task constrain and environmental contraints?
Task constraints are the aspects of the task that need to be overcome or adapted compared to environmental constraints which are changeable aspects of the environment that need to overcome or adapted
What stage of motor learning can be identified from the below characteristics:
More consistent performance, as the learner has grasped the fundamentals and mechanics of the skill
Increased stability in skill performance leads to smaller and less frequent errors, and the learner is able to identify and correct them as they occur
Increased cue detection, although the learner may still miss more subtle cues
Generally appropriate response to cues with successful execution, but the learner still lacks the consistency and fluency of a highly skilled performer
Associative stage
What is it when the learner's experience while practicing a skill or strategy including variation to the context in which they are being practiced?
Variability of practice
What is the knowledge type: An athlete throws a pass in touch football might initially throws the ball whilst facing forward and the coach says to turn their hips to the way they want the ball to go?
Knowledge of performance