chapter

how does the

ACQUISITION OF SKILL
affect performance?

The ability of individuals to experience, learn and refine motor skills greatly affects their ability to
perform any physical activity. This chapter explores the processes that individuals undertake when
learning a new skill and how these processes can be adapted to help individuals learn these skills
more easily and quickly. It also examines the ways in which movement can be assessed.

Learning skills
There is a variety of views about how learning actually occurs. Basically, we learn in three main ways:
cognitive learninglearning by receiving knowledge and information
affective learninglearning on a social level (for example, by developing ideas of fair play and selfesteem)
motor learninglearning by acquiring physical motor skills.

PDHPE Application and Inquiry

In a discussion of sports performance, motor learning is of greatest importance, but cognitive

learning and affective learning cannot be overlooked. For example, learning complex set plays in the
game or cooperating as a team member are extremely important aspects of performance.

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Many of us have been in the situation where we have

invited friends along to play our favourite sporta sport
that we have practised for years, but which the visitors
have never playedand find that our friends (at their
first attempt) are almost as good as we are (after years
of practice). This sort of experience makes us consider
questions that are similar to those posed by sports
scientists:
Why does it take some people days to learn a
mathematical concept, while other people grasp it in a
few minutes?
What makes an all-round athletea person who
appears to excel at every sport he or she attempts?
How was Martina Navratilova able to stay at the top of
womens tennis for so many years?
The answer to such questions lies in an understanding
of the major factors that affect the acquisition of skills.
These factors include the:
stages of skill acquisition
characteristics of the learner
environment.
Figure 8.1 Skills are acquired through learning
and practice
A skill can be defined simply as an act or task; for
example, driving a car. We can also use the term to indicate
the quality of a performance; for example, when we say that
Michael Clarke is a skilled cricketer. Driving a car, playing
golf or reading this book all require certain skills necessary
to perform the specific activity. Learning and performing
skills forms a huge part of our lives.
When you watch an elite sportsperson playing sport,
think of all the physiological and psychological reactions
and changes that are occurring in his or her body. The
sportsperson has learnt to play his or her sport very well.
How did the person do that? What made the sportsperson
such a good player? What does the sportsperson think
about during the performance? What pre-game meal did the
sportsperson eat? These are precisely the type of questions
sports scientists ask about athletes. They analyse every
aspect of athletes performances, using their thorough
knowledge of sports science to inform their analysis.

The stages of skill acquisition

What is the difference between your tennis serve and that of
Serena Williams? And what is the difference between your
goal-kicking and that of Matt Giteau? How did they get to be
so much better at their sports than the rest of us? Did they
once serve or kick like us?
It is generally agreed that learning involves practice
and time. Over time, and with practice, someone who
is a beginnerin terms of his or her cognitive, affective
and motor skillswill progress through various stages to
become a skilled performer.
Skill learning is a continuous
and dynamic process without
distinct and definite stages. For
convenience, however, certain
general changes can be described
in skill learning. For example, over
time, improvements in accuracy and
rate are observed, as are greater

Skill learning is a
continuous and
dynamic process
without distinct and
definite stages.

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consistency, a reduction in errors and the development of

smooth, effortless performances. These changes can be
broadly placed into three stages, as developed by Paul Fitts
and Michael Posner in 1967. The stages are known as the:
cognitive (or understanding) stage
associative (or practice) stage
autonomous (or automatic) stage.
Most individuals move from stage to stage as they learn
skills. However, some might not move on to the last stage,
due to the training demands, the complexity of the task or a
lack of motivation.

Cognitive stage
The cognitive stage is characterised by thinkingtrying
to understand the skill. In this stage the learner forms a
cognitive picture of the skill and what is required to do it. The
movements in this stage are jerky, halting and poorly timed.
Performance is variable with a large number of gross errors
the learner knows that something is wrong, but is unsure how
to correct it. While learning to play a golf shot, for example,
someone in the cognitive stage will often hit the ground or
miss the ball completely. An increase in self-talk is evident
as this stage progresses. Fortunately, this stage is also quite
short and, with regular practice and thought, the learner will
make rapid and large gains in proficiency.

The coach should teach simple, fundamental skills in

this stage, by demonstrating, modelling and giving clear
instructions. Instructions should be brief and should focus
on only a few skills at a time. Coaches should observe the
following general points:
Employ a range of motivational techniques.
Keep instructions and demonstrations short and simple.
Have athletes follow an example at first and then try the
skills themselves with more instruction and feedback.
Allow for constant blocks of practice.
Use frequent knowledge of performance (KP) feedback.
Remember that the aim at this stage is a rough
approximation of the required skills.
Feedback at this stage is very important and is supplied
predominantly with visual demonstrations and verbal
information. The learner needs specific information for
corrections, and requires attention to individual skills. It
must be remembered that the learner might not understand
the task, so the amount and speed of information should be
controlled, and the task itself must be clarified, perhaps by
visual, auditory or even manual means.

Associative stage
In comparison with the cognitive stage, the associative stage
is quite long. In fact, the person might never move beyond
the associative stage. In this stage, the fundamentals and
mechanics of the skill have been learnt, and performance
is less variable and more consistent. There are fewer errors
and they are less gross because the athlete has developed
the ability to detect and correct errors. Movements become
coordinated and refined to the task as the athlete learns to
use environmental cues for timing. Anticipation develops, and
smoother, unrushed movements result as the individual needs
to think less about the skill and there is a shift to memorised
movements. There is rapid improvement with a marked
decrease in energy expenditure. The golfer, for example, will
be able to make regular contact with the ball, though direction
and distance will not yet be as consistent as it will become.
In the associative stage it is important for the coach to
communicate well and give good feedback. Instruction needs
to be more individual, with errors identified and corrections
prescribed. There should be a progressive increase in task
complexity. Demonstrations, videos of the athlete performing
and verbal descriptions of corrections are useful.

PDHPE Application and Inquiry

Coaches of players in the associative stage should:

Figure 8.2 A coach should teach simple,

fundamental skills during the cognitive stages

Teach movement patterns first and then add other

environmental situations (game-like situations).
Provide variable practice situations. For example, soccer
passing could include keep off and corner passing.
Use both knowledge of performance (KP) and knowledge
of results (KR) feedback, and avoid giving feedback on
every attempt.
Practise skills randomly rather than in blocks.
Encourage the use of mental imagery.

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Autonomous stage
After much practice and experience, the skill becomes
habitual or automatic. This is the autonomous stage. In
this stage, improvements come slowly, but there is good
consistency of performance. Most of the skill is performed
without thinking because the athlete requires less attention
to basics. Instead, he or she can give more selective
attention to higher-order cognitive activities, such as game
strategies and external cues; for example, the spin on
the ball or the position of the opposition. The athlete has
good timing, and can detect and adjust errors and disguise
actions. This develops self-confidence and risk-taking in
performance situations. The golfer, for example, will be able
to change a swing to suit the particular shot required and
be able to curve the ball with control after hitting it to allow
for external factors, such as slopes and wind.
In the autonomous stage the practice sessions need to
be well organised to ensure the best improvements. The
athlete must be highly motivated and given a great deal of
feedback. Training should attempt to simulate the actual
performance conditions. Psychological skills training can
be very effective in this stage, especially when dealing with
anxiety in competitions.

WEB

Internet support for the stages of skill acquisition

can be accessed via www.oup.com.au/pdhpe12

Critical inquiry
1

Three stages of skill acquisition are

described earlier. Discuss whether
these three stages actually exist.
Investigate how else we could explain
how skills are learned and performed.

Propose reasons for the improvements

in performances of well-coordinated
athletes who seem to progress very
quickly or even skip stages.

practical application
Stages of skill acquisition

Individually, or in small groups, practise daily

a new skill; for example, juggling or throwing
with your non-preferred hand at a target. Keep
a record of your daily personal results and
comments (regarding feelings, frustrations,
problems and insights). Record these data for
20 trials per day over five days.
a Describe, in brief, the skill and scoring
procedure.
b Construct a graph of the average scores for
each day.
c In terms of the three stages of skill
acquisition described earlier, identify which
stage you reached.
d Explain how you moved from one stage to
the next.
e Identify what would be required for you to
progress further.
f Identify the attributes that would characterise
a performer who has reached the autonomous
stage in this skill.
g Identify the problems, issues and feelings
that you experienced at each stage and why.
h Compare your results with the video image
referred to above.

WEB

The video image that needs to be

viewed in part h of the Practical
Application can be accessed via
www.oup.com.au/pdhpe12

Figure 8.3 When a player reaches the autonomous stage,

his or her performance is consistently good

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Research and Review

1
2
3

Distinguish between the important features

of the cognitive, associative and autonomous
stages of skill acquisition.
Describe how feedback given to a learner
changes between the cognitive and autonomous
stages of skill acquisition.
Explain the differences you would see in an
individual as he or she moves through the three
stages of skill acquisition in the sport of golf.

Characteristics of the learner

Each human has unique physical, social and emotional
characteristics. The ways in which people learn, perform
and think affect every aspect of their lives. These individual
differences include inherited, social and emotional factors and
they account for the variability in the learning of motor skills.
Inherited factors affecting skill acquisition include
gender, age, race, somatotype (body shape), muscle-fibre
composition, information-processing capacity and aptitude
for the activity. These can be described as the natural ability
of the athlete.
After training and practice an athletes ability to perform
activities is usually improved. Prior experience with the task
(or with a similar task) will also affect performance.

Figure 8.4 Gregory Norman Jnr is an accomplished

golfer who has played alongside his famous golfing father,
Greg Norman Snr

PDHPE Application and Inquiry

Federer still motivated to be the one

World No 1 Roger Federer has
dismissed suggestions his career is
in decline and said he would use
recent defeats as motivation after
recovering from a virus.
The Swiss lost in the first round
in Dubai last week to Scotlands
Andy Murray, his first match since
being beaten by eventual champion
Novak Djokovic in the Australian
Open semi-finals in January.
In Switzerland there is a little
too much speculation my career
is over, Federer, 26, said before
yesterdays 6-3 6-7 7-6 win over
former world No 1 Pete Sampras
in an exhibition at Madison Square
Garden.
People just need to know
Im healthy and happy and not
miserable and down and out.
Federer won the final set tiebreaker, 8-6, to ensure victory in
the good-natured contest before a

crowd of about 19000, including

world No 1 golfer Tiger Woods.
Honestly, losses like this
motivate me more than anything,
Federer said.
Trying to come back, trying to
prove Im still the one to beat.
I just want to show I can do it
over and over again.
The successive defeats dented
Federers aura of invincibility and
fed the confidence of younger
rivals who have seen him reign as
No 1 for 215 consecutive weeks.
Within two Grand Slam titles
of Sampras record 14, Federer said
his affection for tennis was greater
than ever.
I love competing on centre
courts all over the world. So many
people are happy when I get there.
It touches me. I love to practise
more and more now, he said.

What I enjoy most are the

matches, the pressure, the fans,
centre court.
Federer said he was looking
forward to competing at the
Beijing Olympics in August and
future Games.
The (London) Olympic
Games in 2012 is something Im
looking forward to, and go from
there. See how I feel with my
fitness, my motivation.
Federer may have made his
worst start to a season in eight
years but Sampras was confident he
would soon be winning again.
In a lot of ways Roger has
created this sort of monster of
being unbeatable, Sampras said.
If you lose a match here, lose
a match there, people have the
assumption he has lost his edge, lost
his dominance.
The Australian, 12 March 2008

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For example, in taking up basketball, the skills of netball are more easily transferred to the new sport
than are the skills of, say, hockey. This transfer of prior experience can also apply to other aspects of
various activities, including fitness, strength and flexibility. For instance, if aerobic endurance, speed
or strength are required to perform the new skill, someone with previous experience in these will take
less time to learn the skill, and will be able to participate at a higher level, than will a total beginner.
Even knowledge of the rules of the game, without ever playing it, can increase the ability of the person
to perform the activity or skill. A good example of the transfer of skills and attributes from one sport to
another is when athletes are able to change relatively easily between rugby union and rugby league,
without any obvious decrease in performance.
Skill acquisition depends on levels of keenness, confidence, competitiveness, self-esteem
and relations with others and even level of aggression. These personality traits are enhanced as
involvement in activity is continued. Roger Federer is a good example of someone who exhibits all
these personality traits (see article opposite).
Skill acquisition can be influenced by the reasons for participation, the level of aspiration, the
degree of enjoyment, persistence at the activity, the effort put into the activity and the readiness of the
participant to learn. Those athletes who are confident about their abilities, or their ability to improve
and learn, can develop skills faster than those who are not. This self-confidence is sometimes evident in
athletes as ego. Ego can also be a good tool for coping with stresses, and for throwing others off their
games.

Critical inquiry
Analyse the article opposite and determine how this
athlete might have come to be described as motivated,
confident or naturally talented.

Research and Review

1
2
3
4

Identify pairs of sports (such as hockey and cricket) that show how prior
experience can lead to a transfer of skills and improve how quickly the
sport is learnt.
Explain how natural ability assists somebody to perform an activity well.
Outline the role that personality plays in determining athletic ability and
learning.
Identify the characteristics of a learner that would have the greatest
effect on:

a
b

increasing performance
decreasing performance.

The learning environment

Nature of the skill
The complexity of a skill to be learnt is obviously important in the acquisition of the skill. Movement
tasks may be classified according to different criteria:

the stability of the environmentopen or closed

the precision of the movementgross or fine
the distinctiveness of the beginning and end pointscontinuous, serial or discrete
timingexternally paced or self-paced.

(See below for an explanation of these terms.) Not all skills fit into one or other category; instead they
exist along a continuum. A task can be the whole game or activity, or it may be major individual skills
within the game or activity.

WEB
Internet support for
the nature of skills
can be accessed via
www.oup.com.au/
pdhpe12

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Closed and open skills

As noted earlier, in the early stages of learning a
skill or activity, the coach tries to make the learning
environment as stable and predictable as possible.
Skills performed in this sort of environment are said
to be closed skills, whereas skills performed in a
changing, unpredictable environment are open skills.
A continuum exists whereby closed skills are performed
in fixed environmental conditions at one end of the
continuum, and open skills are performed within a
changing environment at the other.

Skills performed in a stable, predictable environment

are closed skills. Those performed in a changing,
unpredictable environment are open skills.

Some examples of closed skills are those involved in

golf, archery, weightlifting and synchronised swimming.
In these activities the performer can use pre-learned
skills or patterns of movement without having to
make the major changes that would be needed if
the environment were changing. When performing a
closed skill it is the athlete who determines at what
pace actions should occur. The athlete can execute
the movement at a desired speed and method. Such
movements are said to be self-paced. For example, a
golfer places the tee and ball where the golfer chooses,
approaches the ball when ready to do so, takes a predetermined number of practice swings, looks up the
fairway, and then swingsall at a pace determined by
the golfer.
Open skills include batting in cricket, tackling a
player in soccer, executing a set play in rugby union or
making a ground stroke in tennis. In contrast to closed
skills, open skills are externally paced. This means that
they are initiated by actions from an external source
or stimulus. The performer then responds to that
stimulus. External conditions determine the timing of
the performers response and include the opposition, the
weather and the time left in the game. The unpredictability
of the environment forces the performer to respond in
a variety of ways, some of which might not have been
practised in training.

Figure 8.5 Weightlifting is a closed skill

PDHPE Application and Inquiry

Sports can contain both closed and open skills. For

example, a tennis serve is classified as open. All skills
and all sports do not fit neatly onto one end of the
continuum or the other.
When learning motor skills it is easier to learn closed
skills than open ones. When playing softball, batting
against a pitcher is an open skill. The batter needs to
consider the speed, height and spin of the ball before
contact can be made. Learning the actual skill of hitting
can be made more closed through the use of a batting
tee so that the movement of swinging to hit a ball can
be learnt. When the movement is learnt the skill can
be made more open by hitting a ball hung on a string;
while the ball will be moving, its height is predictable,
allowing the batter to practise timing his or her
movement before facing the totally open pitcher.

Figure 8.6 Facing a pitcher makes hitting a ball an open skill

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Fine and gross skills

With regard to the precision of the
movement, skills can be classed as
either fine (using small muscle groups
to perform them) or gross (using large
muscle groups to perform them).
Examples of fine motor skills include:
writing
spinning a ball when bowling
throwing darts.
Gross motor skills include:
walking
running
throwing.
Again, a continuum exists, and each
skill can fall along the line between
fine and gross. For example, a softball
pitch involves subtle movements of
the hand and fingers. It also involves
larger gross motor movements from
the shoulder, arm and back. The
pitching action primarily involves gross
motor skills, but the fine motor skills
are also important.

Discrete, continuous
and serial skills
Skills can also be classified according
to where they begin and end. If there
Figure 8.7 Pole vaulting requires the use of serial motor skills
is a clearly defined starting and
finishing point, the skill is said to
be a discrete motor skill. Examples
include throwing a ball or performing
a dive. If an arbitrary start or end point exists, the skill is described as a continuous motor skill.
Swimming and running are examples of continuous motor skills. They are so classified because the
beginning and end points are determined by the performer, and not by the task itself.
When a series of discrete motor skills is put together, a serial motor skill exists. Examples of serial
motor skills include performing a dance routine, bowling a cricket ball and shooting an arrow in
archery. In these situations a specific series of movements must be performed in a specific order for
the task to be performed properly.

Critical inquiry
1 a Choose a sport and identify all the skills necessary in performing it.
b For each skill determine where it falls along each continuum below.
Closed ________________________________________________________________________________________ Open
Fine ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Gross
Self-paced _____________________________________________________________________________ Externally paced
Discrete __________________________ Continuous ____________________________ Serial ______________________

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The performance elements

When learning movement skills they are often first experienced in isolation. For example, a soccer ball
will be stationary on the ground, and an individual will be asked to run in and kick it at a goal, and then
he or she will do it again. This type of learning does not help an individual understand when to kick a
ball in a game, which direction it should go or how hard it should be kicked. These questions can only
be answered by the individual after having practised the skills in a game-like setting.
Movement skills can be learnt but if you cant apply them
to a game situation then they will not be performed effectively.
A forehand in tennis might be performed with precision, but
be hit straight back to a player at the net. In this case the skill
has been performed correctly but a poor choice of shot allows
the opponent to win the point. By practising and developing
decision-making skills and the tactical aspects of the sport the
tennis player may have played a lob shot and won the point
instead.

Movement skills can be learnt

but if you cant apply them to
a game situation then they will
not be performed effectively.

Decision-making skills
Often in a game setting players need to assess their own strengths and weaknesses, their opponents
strengths and weaknesses and the situation of the game. The ability to assess these factors and then
make a decision as to how to react to them affects an individuals ability to develop and perform
movement skills, especially while playing games.
Coaches need to ensure the opportunity is available for individuals and teams to practise in gamelike settings so that the individual can hasten the decision-making process when it is time to apply it
during a game.
In many game situations, as the pressure to score or prevent the opposition from scoring mounts,
poorer decisions about movement are made. In rugby league a player may try to throw a long pass to a
winger in the hope that the winger will score a try, but this increases the risk of an intercept.
In defence a player may rush up in the hope to tackle a player, leaving a gap in the defensive line for
the opposition to run through. Specific training for these game situations will assist players to make
better decisions when they need to in a competitive game.

Strategic and tactical development

When coaching less tactical sports (such as weightlifting, archery or gymnastics) coaches can be very
specific and technical with the practice activities and feedback they give to the athletes. In tactical
games (such as soccer, Australian Rules football and water polo) the learning environment needs to
reflect the game environment if players are to understand how they are to apply the skills they have
developed effectively in a game.

PDHPE Application and Inquiry

The tactics associated with game play are similar in many sports. In soccer, Australian Rules football
and water polo, for example, movement into space, leading towards the ball, marking a player, moving
into a position to shoot, and so on, are common to each. Individuals can learn the tactics of one game
and then apply these across a range of similar sports.
The earlier an individual engages in learning the tactical aspects of the game the more effective
the learning of this aspect will be. This process requires the coach to introduce skills into game-like
situations rather than static skill drills. To teach somebody to pass a ball in soccer you could play a
game of piggy in the middle, where two players are trying to pass the ball to each other and a third
player is trying to stop the pass being made. For beginners the rules can be set to make it easier for
a pass to be made, and as skills develop the rules can be tightened so that the defender has a better
chance. By introducing skills in this way, players will become aware quickly that passes need to be
made so that the opposition cannot reach them and so that they are directed to their own partners
(team) if they are going to keep possession. Compare this approach to that of having two players
learning to pass by passing the ball backwards and forwards between hats with no opposition and
no tactical knowledge being learnt in the process.

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This tactical approach to skill development has the

following benefits:
It allows individuals to understand the complete
requirements of the skill.
It allows practice for decision-making skills.
It enhances motivation and confidence.
It improves team coordination.
Each of these benefits is explained below.
Individuals quickly become aware of how much time they
have to complete the skill in a game setting. They realise
what the results of errors of skill will be (such as loss of
possession) and they learn in what context the skill will be
used in a game.
As skills and knowledge increase, the game-like practices
will develop complexity and, as a result, the decision-making
process will be developed and enhanced. They are likely
to come across problems that will reflect those they will
experience in a real game. Having practised responses to
these problems they will be more likely to make decisions
that improve performances in the game situation.
As players experience a game-like setting in most training
sessions they will develop the confidence to display their
skills while playing a game. The approach also motivates
individuals as they can work at their own level of skill in most
cases and not be held back to simple drills if they have a
more advanced skill level than the rest of the team.
By playing in game-like activities with fellow team
members there is likely to be an improved understanding of
the way they will respond in a given situation.
Once the individual has developed the understanding
of the skills and tactics of the game the coach can begin to
influence the way the play is conducted on the field. The
coach can plan and implement specific tactics during a
game. Prior to individuals gaining this understanding they
possibly will not understand what the coach wants them to
do or why it is important for them to do it.

Practice method
Practising is essential to learning and improving, and can
be done in a variety of ways. Types of practice methods
include the following:
speed and accuracy
massed and distributed
whole and part.
All these methods are described in more detail in the text
that follows. It is essential to understand the applications,
uses and limitations of each method. Sporting pursuits
vary, and there is therefore no set routine for practice or
performance. An astute coach organises training that is
appropriate to the task and the athlete, and ensures that
the training remains interesting and challenging. How a skill
is practised will determine how that skill is acquired and
performed. Perfect practice makes perfect performance.

Speed and accuracy practice

Speed is the rate at which a motor task is performed.
Accuracy can be described in terms of how a particular
response deviated from a specific end point (for example,
a tennis serve missed the line by centimetres) or by the
end position of an object on a target (for example,
a bullseye was scored).
Speed and accuracy are taskspecific and should relate to the final
expectations of the performance.
When speed is predominant for a
skill, early emphasis on speed is
preferable. When accuracy is needed,
early emphasis on accuracy is better. If
attention is directed solely to accuracy
when learning, speed will gradually
improve. If attention is directed
solely to speed, however, accuracy
tends to diminish. Beginners should
concentrate on accuracy, and then
increase speed.

Beginners should
concentrate on
accuracy, and then
increase speed.

Massed and distributed practice

The length of time spent practising skills and the time
spent at rest are important training considerations. Massed
practice is a relatively continuous type of practice in which
the rest periods are either very short or non-existent; for
example, when a netball goal shooter practises shooting for
20 minutes continuously. Distributed practice occurs when
periods of rest, or periods of practising other skills, are
equal to (or longer than) periods of practising the primary
skill. An example of this is a netball goal shooter practising
shots from the right for 10 minutes, having a break for 10
minutes, then practising shooting from the left for a further
10 minutes, followed by rest for a further 15 minutes.
There is no real difference between the two methods in
learning basic skills. However, for improving performance,
distributed practice is more effective than massed practice
because it allows for feedback to be given, and decreases
the likelihood of fatigue.
Massed practice is preferable for:
highly skilled performers
highly motivated performers.
Distributed practice is preferable for:
the novice
in situations where energy demands are high
when the task is difficult or boring.

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Whole and part practice

Another way of practising is to use the
whole-or-part method. This method refers to
whether skills should be practised in parts or
as a whole. For example, should a softball hit
be taught in its entirety or in its component
parts, such as stance, grip, swing and followthrough? One method will be more effective
than the other in any given situation,
but a decision has to be made on which
to use, and when. Figure 8.8 introduces
the concepts of task complexity and task
organisation to aid in this decision.

Task organisation
Low

High

Whole method

Combination of whole
and part methods

Low

Part method

High
Task complexity

Figure 8.8 The relationship of task complexity and task organisation to

whole and part practice

Task complexity refers to how many parts

or component parts are present, and the
intellectual demands of the task. A dance
routine has a high level of task complexity,
whereas weightlifting has a low level of
task complexity. Task organisation refers
to how the component parts of the task are
interrelated. A jump shot in basketball has
a high degree of task organisation because
the parts of it are interrelatedwith each
part being highly dependent upon another
to achieve the objective. Dance has a
relatively low degree of task organisation
because the order of performing the parts
is not necessarily related to achieving a
definite objective (such as scoring a goal)
in the overall performance.

PDHPE Application and Inquiry

It is difficult to apply the above information

because not all skills fit at one end or the
other of the continuum of complexity and
organisation. It is therefore difficult to predict
which method to use. Some skills fall into
the middle of the continuum, and might
therefore require a combination of methods.
It is not uncommon to use a combination of
whole and part practice (learning skills as a
whole at times, and in part at other times) or
progressive part practice.
Progressive part practice is a term used to
describe parts of a complex skill being learnt
separately, and then the learnt parts being
added together to form larger and larger parts,
until the whole skill is practised. For example,
a spike in volleyball can be broken down into
run up, stepping, jumping and striking. Each
skill is practised separately and then each
is added to the others, until the whole skill
is practised in its
entirety. Part practice
is useful for novices,
Part practice is useful
or when learning a
for novices, or when
new skill.

Figure 8.9 Practising the jump shot in parts, such as stance and
grip (left). Performing the jump shot once it has been mastered will be
practised as a whole (right).

learning a new skill.

Figure 8.10 If using progressive part practice, a spike in volleyball could

be broken down into run up, stepping, jumping and striking

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Keys to successful practice

Quality practice time is essential for the successful
development of sports skills. To be successful in a sport an
athlete must be prepared to maximise the type, number and
length of practice sessions.
Practice must be specifically related to the activity or
game played. Coaches should attempt to make training
situations as similar to games as possible; for example,
by requiring the athletes to wear playing gear to training.
Time spent in the total practice period, time spent at rest
and time spent on particular skills should all vary according
to the skill level of the learner and according to the
importance of the skill in the performance. A tennis player
might therefore have a session of practising serving every
510 minutes, as the player does in the game.

Research and Review

1
2
3
4

The practice conditions should also be varied. Athletes

will soon lose motivation if the same skills and drills are
repeatedly taught in the same way. The skill itself should
be analysed according to how it is used in the game, and
practised accordingly in a variety of ways.

Critical inquiry
1

Choose a sport and suggest examples of how to

structure three training sessions for that sport.
Each training session should emphasise one of
the following:

a accuracy
b whole practice
c part practice.

Bowling a cricket ball requires both speed and

accuracy. Describe how you would teach a
beginner to bowl.
Name a skill and identify all the segments into
which it can be broken for part learning.
Identify examples of sporting situations in which
massed practice is preferable, and those in
which distributed practice is preferable.
Classify the following sports as closed/open,
gross/fine and discrete/continuous/serial:

a
b
c
d
e
f
g

surfing
playing snooker
throwing the javelin
high jump
taking a penalty stroke in hockey
goal-keeping in soccer
aerial skiing.

Choose from hockey, Australian Rules football

or netball. Propose three activities that will help
beginners to understand the defensive strategies
used in the game.
The way in which skills are learnt, practised and,
finally, acquired depends on the characteristics
of the learner and the nature of the learning
environment. Discuss this statement with
reference to how a novice Australian Rules
football player might be coached through the
stages of skill acquisition.

practical application
Types of practice

In your own words, describe Figure 8.8 (page 158). Provide three sporting examples for each method: whole and
part practice.

Divide the class into three groups.

b
c

Design a number of practical activities that examine the effects that the various types of practice may have
on performance. Examine:
whole and part practice

massed and distributed practice

speed and accuracy practice.

Conduct the activities in groups involving the rest of the class.

Evaluate the effectiveness of each type of practice according to the skill level of the people involved.

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Feedback

External feedback

How many times have you stood on a sideline and heard

remarks similar to the following?

Hey, Bill, youre as slow as a wet week.

You couldnt even catch a cold.
Hey, ref, its a good game. Why dont you watch it?
My grandmother can tackle harder than that!

External feedback is information that is provided from

outside the performers natural sensory awareness of the
immediate action. This external feedback might be the
coachs voice, the scoreboard, video analysis or the cheer
of the crowd. The external feedback supplements the
performers natural internal feedback. In some cases, there
is no external feedback.

All these remarks belittle the player or official, and

diminish the respect between the speaker and the person
to whom the comment is directed. They are negative in
nature. Compare them with the following:
Bad luck, Sarah. Just give it a little more air next time.
Good goal, Bok. Now hustle back into position.
Nice pass, Helen. Youre getting better every training
session.
These comments are designed
to make the participant feel good
about his or her performance.
They reinforce the desired
response and improve the
relationship between the speaker
and the person to whom the
comment is directed. They are
positive in nature.

Positive feedback is
designed to make
the participant feel
good about his or her
performance.

When performers receive any sensory information about

an action, this is termed feedback. Feedback comes from a
variety of sources and can have the following effects:
reinforcement of the correct or desired response
motivation of the performer to improve or maintain the
performance
correction of the action as a result of information
received about errors.

Figure 8.11 Coaches provide external feedback

The performer can come to rely on feedback and, when

feedback is withdrawn, the performance can decline.

Two important forms of feedback are:

Sources of feedback
Feedback can come from sources within the athlete.
This is called internal or intrinsic feedback. Alternatively,
it can come from external sources, in which case it is
termed external or extrinsic feedback.

PDHPE Application and Inquiry

Internal feedback
Internal feedback is information received naturally from the
senses as a result of movement. When passing a basketball,
the athlete is aware of his or her own legs, shoulders, arms
and fingers moving through the air. The athlete is aware of
the ball leaving the fingers, and can see and hear it being
caught by a partner. The athlete thus perceives information
about the performance without the use of equipment,
devices or other people. Therefore, internal feedback
includes sensations (such as sights, smells, touch and
sounds) that are related to the performance.

Types of external feedback

knowledge of results (KR)
knowledge of performance (KP).
KR is information that is provided externally after the
completion of the action. It is based on the outcome of
the performance or on what caused the outcome. It is
particularly helpful when learning a new skill. KR allows the
learner to correct an action the next time, to be reinforced
when the attempt is totally or partially correct, and to
remain motivated to try again. A score in gymnastics and
the coachs reaction to his or her teams performance are
examples of KR.
KP is information that is received either internally or
externally concerning the movement executed. KP does not
inform about the movement success (as KR does). Rather,
KP informs about the performance of the movement pattern
itself, or how it looked. For example, a gymnastic coach
informing the gymnast that she had good body shape
and height during a movement or that her feet came apart
directly relate to the actual movement and not the score
that the gymnast will receive.

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Figure 8.12 Arrows in a target provide knowledge of results

Figure 8.13 The feel of a ball as it hits a table tennis bat is

an example of concurrent feedback

Timing of feedback
The timing of feedback is very important. There are many
opportunities before, during and after a performance when
an athlete might receive feedback.
Concurrent feedback is feedback received during the
performance. Examples include the feel of a ball as it hits
a table tennis bat, or the sight of the goalkeeper moving to
the left before a penalty stroke. The athlete can respond to
this concurrent feedback at the time.
Delayed feedback (or terminal feedback) is provided
after the performance, and is therefore received too late to

produce a response at the time. A player jumping to head

the ball in soccer cannot change the bodys position in the
air when the ball is 1 metre from the head. In this case, the
correctness of the action is gauged after the ball has been
headed. The feedback might be a goal or a comment from
the coach. This is an example of delayed feedback.
Concurrent and delayed feedback can therefore be
provided both internally and externally. Concurrent
feedback, and doing other activities between performances,
might hinder learning as it can distract the learner from
concentrating on the movement as it is being performed.

practical application
Feedback

Divide the class into three groups to perform this simple throwing activity. You will need supervisors, recorders
and subjects. The task is to throw a ball towards a bullseye target that has various scoring sections. The ball is to
be thrown 10 times, receiving feedback according to the following:
Group 1 receives KR only. Perform 10 throws blindfolded. Only the score for each throw is given to the performer.

Group 2 receives KP only. Perform 10 throws blindfolded. No feedback is given.

Group 3 receives a combination of KR and KP. Perform 10 throws without the blindfold. All scores are given
to the performer.

Record all results. Graph the average results for each group. Then complete the following tasks:
a Describe the group averages and the trends observed in the activity.
b Identify any improvement in performance noted across the 10 trials.
c Discuss the influence of KR and KP on performance.
d Outline why groups 1 and 2 needed to be blindfolded.

Identify a basic tactic associated with a sport of your choice. Design two modified games, as follows, that will
assist the learning of the tactic you have identified:
a a simple modified game for a beginner
b a complex modified game for an advanced player.

You have just been appointed the new coach of the Bayside under-7s soccer team. Most players are new but
some have played for a season. The team includes boys and girls. Outline your coaching plan for the season,
which runs for eight weeks. Include examples of suitable practice methods and how you will use feedback
during the stages of skill acquisition. How will you account for the variations in the characteristics of the group,
and how will you develop strategies and tactics in the group?

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Usefulness of feedback

Research and Review

For extrinsic feedback by observers to be effective,

it should:

contain no sarcasm
praise and criticise the behaviour, not the person
be constructive
be meaningful to the individual
contain positive non-verbal communication
be communicated effectively
be consistent
use the sandwich approachgive a positive
statement, then corrective feedback, then a
compliment (for example, Good run, Juanita. Next
time pass the ball. Keep up the great effort.)

1
2
3
4

Explain why feedback plays a major role in the

learning of skills, and in sporting performance.
Using examples from sport, explain the
difference between KR and KP.
Explain why the timing of feedback is critical in
the correction of skills.
Describe how the type of feedback individuals
receive will change as they move through the
stages of skill acquisition.

Assessment of skill and performance

Characteristics of skilled performers
The main aim of the analysis of human performance is to improve
performance. A skilled performer has learnt how to achieve a
particular performance goal at almost every attempt, and to do so
with minimal waste of physical and mental
energy, or time. A number of perceptual
abilities and physical attributes has been
identified by sports scientists to explain
differences between skilled and unskilled
performers, and to explain individual variations
in the acquisition of skills.

Perceptual abilities are

those related to the senses.

Skilled performers are usually stronger and

more flexible, have better body coordination
and whole body balance, and have better
stamina than do unskilled performers.
In addition, with respect to perceptual motor
abilities, skilled athletes perform better in
the following areas compared with unskilled
athletes:
kinaesthetic awareness and
proprioceptionskilled athletes have an
ability to utilise the sensory information
gained from within their body concerning
body position and limb awareness

PDHPE Application and Inquiry

anticipation of what might happen next and

appropriate response to itskilled athletes
rely on external environmental information,
memory and feel during the performance
timing of responsesskilled athletes have
quick and efficient responses (reactions and
movements), making them appear to have
all the time in the world
limb coordinationskilled athletes hold
their arms steady and have excellent hand
and finger coordination

Figure 8.14 Skilled performers, such as diver Matthew Mitcham, have

learnt how to achieve a certain performance goal at almost every attempt

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 consistency of performanceskilled athletes make very

few errors during an activity
techniqueskilled athletes maintain correct technique
despite fatigue or the game situation
response to cuesskilled athletes are able to respond to
many cues and recognise and respond only to those cues
that are relevant
mental attitudeskilled athletes are more aggressive,
competitive, ambitious, self-assured, adventurous,
confident, determined and committed; have better
concentration; are able to self-regulate anxiety and
arousal; and can understand and use complex skills and
patterns.
A skilled performer is able to perceive, decide and act
in a manner that is efficient in terms of both energy and

practical application
Characteristics of skilled performers

Interview a skilled athlete.

a
b
c

Investigate what motivates the athlete to

train and perform in the chosen sport.
Identify the characteristics and skills that
the athlete believes to be essential for
success in the sport.
Discover how the athlete has developed
these skills and characteristics.

time. The skilled performer is faster and more accurate

and has greater consistency than unskilled performers.
Through experience and practice, skilled performers develop
special attributes, such as anticipation and relevant cue
recognition.
In addition, the skilled performer:

appears to be smooth and effortless

has composure
is able to adjust to changes in plans
is relatively unaffected by the competitive environment
is able to regulate personal effort levels
is able to overcome physical demands and pain
is able to cope with poor officiating
can handle the pressure in the final stages of a contest.

There are thus many important observable and measurable

characteristics of skilled performance and skilled performers.

Critical inquiry
View a number of videos of skilled and unskilled
performances in one skill area. Compare and contrast
the performances. For example, you could film your
classmates dribbling soccer balls and compare that with
the soccer dribbling skills displayed in the YouTube footage
referred to below.

WEB

The video image that is suggested for viewing

in the Critical Inquiry task can be accessed via
www.oup.com.au/pdhpe12

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Objective and subjective performance

measures
Before you decide to do your homework you mentally collect
data about the task. The decision you make about the
homework you do is based on the time available, the work,
the subject and the possible outcomes of doing itor not
doing it! You are measuring and testing data before making
the better decision.
In much the same way, a gymnastics judge is able to
collect data before making a decision about the quality of a
particular gymnasts performance. Similarly, a coach collects
data about an athletes fitness level. Measurement is an
important process that allows skills and performances to be
evaluated and compared.
Measurement is the act of assessing, usually by the
assigning of numbers to whatever is being assessed. A test
is an instrument that can be used to make measurements.
Appraisal (or evaluation) is a dynamic process in which a
decision is made concerning the value, merit or quality of
what is being measured. An example of this is using a situp test to measure abdominal strength. Simply giving the
athlete a score gives no information about the quality of
the performance. By comparing the athletes results with
established norms, however, a value judgement (appraisal)
of the performance can be made.
Measurement has many purposes, including:

PDHPE Application and Inquiry

placement of athletes into ability groups

diagnosis of strengths and weaknesses
prediction of future performance results
motivation of the performer
achievement and improvement of levels of skill
evaluation of instruction methods.

Skills can be appraised by subjective or objective

observation.
Subjective appraisal depends on the observers personal
judgment of how well the skill was performed. It is based
on personal feelings, and is affected by the mind and
temperament of the observer, rather than the attributes of
the object. This applies to quality and style of performance,
such as in dance or gymnastics routines.
Objective appraisal involves an impartial measurement
based on certain indisputable facts about the performance. It
occurs without bias or prejudice, and is such that observers will
give the same result for the same performances; for example,
when a batter is bowled out in cricket, or when the final score
for a golfer is six strokes under par.
It is important to establish performance measures
upon which to base the appraisal of athletes. It is equally
as important to be able to interpret the results of the
performance measures. Apart from objective and subjective
appraisal, there is a number of other ways in which
performances may be judged. There are norm-referenced
tests and criterion-referenced tests, rating scales and
percentile rankings. These measures allow observers to
evaluate and rank performance.
The appraisal of skill can involve three types of
measurement:
information-processing capacity (for example, memory
and reaction time)
general motor ability (for example, speed and power)
specific sports skills (for example, kicking and passing).

Figure 8.15 A race time is an example of an objective appraisal

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Critical inquiry
1 a Identify examples of each of the following:
norm-referenced tests and criterion-referenced tests
rating scales
percentile rankings.

b Describe what each is measuring.

c Explain how each measures this.
d Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

Skill-related tests
In addition to standard health and fitness tests for
endurance, anaerobic capacity, strength, and so on, it is
possible to measure motor-skill accomplishment. Skillrelated tests can provide objective methods for evaluating
the skill attributes that are required for success in particular
sports. Skill-related tests can also:

evaluate learning
predict future performance
classify and compare participants
motivate
determine achievements
diagnose injury
act as a learning tool.

5 = excellent

4 = good

3 = average

2 = fair

1 = poor

Proper grip, good balance, footwork

and near-perfect form. Demonstrates
consistent stroke mechanics. Anticipates
opponents shots. Placement appropriate
for opponents weaknesses or position.
Proper grip, good balance, adequate
footwork and acceptable but not perfect
form. Demonstrates above-average
consistency of stroke mechanics.
Anticipates opponents shots. Consistent
placement within court area.
Proper grip and acceptable balance, but
footwork is poor. Form is somewhat erratic
and inefficient, resulting in inconsistency
in shot placement. Style of play may
be defensive. Little anticipation of
opponents shots.
Uses improper grip at times, poor footwork
and basically incorrect form. Inconsistent
stroke mechanics. Defensive style of play,
merely trying to get ball over net. Little
anticipation of opponents shots. Unable
to sustain a rally.
Incorrect grip, off-balance, with poor
footwork. Form is very poor and erratic.
Inaccurate shot placement. No anticipation
of opponents shots. Experiences difficulty
in getting ball over net.

Figure 8.16 Tennis rating scale

The skill-related tests shown in Figures 8.16, 8.17 and

8.18 (page 166) are considered to be objective, reliable
and valid. Most skill tests are accompanied by a set of
norms allowing comparison of performances.

Scale description
5 points Exceptional ability for the age and gender of
the student
4 points Above-average ability for the age and gender of
the student
3 points Average ability for the age and gender of
the student
2 points Below-average ability for the age and gender of
the student
1 point Inferior ability, far below average ability for the
age and gender of the student

Critical elements
A

Spiking
5

ii Jump

iii Spike placement

Hustle

ii Teamwork

Approach

Serve
i

Accuracy

ii Difficulty of return
C

Passing
i

Proper use of hands

ii Accuracy
D

Scale (15)

Team play
i

TOTAL SCORE ______

Figure 8.17 Volleyball rating scale

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Passing
Objective: To measure skill in passing and recovering the ball while moving
Equipment: Standard inflated basketball, stopwatch, smooth wall surface, marking tape
Procedure: Six squares are marked on the wall and a restraining line is marked on the floor 2.4 metres from the wall. Three
30-second trials are administered, with the first trial considered practice and the last two timed. The player, holding a ball,
stands behind the restraining line and faces target A. On the command Go, the player chest-passes at target A, recovers
the rebound, and moves opposite target B. From behind the restraining line the player chest-passes at target B. This pattern
continues until target F, where two chest-passes are executed. Then the player moves to the left, passes at target E, and
continues to move left passing at each target in turn.
Scoring: Each pass that hits the desired target counts two points. Each pass hitting the wall but missing the target counts
one point. The sum of the last two trial points is the final score.

6.6m

60
cm

60
cm

60
cm

60
cm

60
cm

60
cm

2.

4m

60
cm

Start

90cm

F
1.5 m

90cm

D
1.5 m

90cm

1.5 m

Tester

AAHPERD (American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance), 1984

Figure 8.18 Basketball rating scale

practical application

PDHPE Application and Inquiry

Skill-related tests

1 a
b
c
2 a
b
c

In pairs, take turns at the passing skill test above. Identify any difficulties in undertaking the test.
Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the skills test.
Propose another test for a different skill in the same sport.
Investigate other sports that utilise skill-related tests.
Describe the test undertaken.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the test in determining the skill level of a player in the sport.

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Validity and reliability of tests

In the pursuit of accuracy, credibility and fairness, new
and improved techniques have been devised to provide
measurements of performance. The elimination of human
error tends to increase the objectivity and reliability of tests
in many sports.
Validity is the degree to which a test measures what
it is designed to measure. For example, a sprint test
does not measure aerobic endurance. Factors that affect
validity include the type of measurement tool chosen
and the characteristics of the individual, such as age,
gender and whether the person is a novice or an expert.
An example of an invalid test is a teacher telling a class
that an examination will be on energy systems, when the
examination is really on skill acquisition. Validity would be
in doubt if the results of a battery of tests indicate that an
individual is not suitable for basketball, but that person
then wins an award for most valuable player of the season.
Reliability is the ability of the test, and the test results,
to be repeated. For example, it is difficult to achieve
the same 40-metre sprint results on grass and on sand.
The reliability of an instrument or test is dependent on
the extent of its measurement error, and its capacity to
discriminate between different levels of ability in a group.
An example of an unreliable test is to compare a beep test
conducted on grass with one done on the gym floor, and to
use different tape decks for each.
A test can be reliable but invalid.
That is, a test can give consistent
results, but not measure what it
claims to measure. A test cannot be
valid if it is not reliable. That is, if it
cannot provide stable, repeatable
results, it is not valid. The reliability
of a test should be determined
before its validity.

A test can be
reliable but invalid,
but a test cannot
be valid if it is not
reliable.

practical application
Skill-related tests

Construct a new sports skill-related test for a sport

of your choice. Administer the test and decide how
to determine its reliability and validity.

Choose a sport and design an appropriate

performance-appraisal technique that is
objective, valid and reliable.

Find three other skill-related tests that are

reliable and valid, and participate in them
as a class.

Critical inquiry
1

Assess whether it is possible for a skilled

performance to take place but the athlete not
to win.

Identify who creates the standards of performance

for particular events.

Describe the quality of performance within a

sport of your choice.

Research and Review

1
2
3
4
5

Describe the difference between measurement

and appraisal.
Identify how judges and observers can maintain
test objectivity.
Identify the essential characteristics of a skilled
performer in your favourite sport or activity.
Outline the factors concerning both the
environment and the athlete that contribute to a
skilled performance.
Compare the characteristics of a highly skilled
performer with those of an unskilled performer.
Use examples to illustrate your answer.

Personal versus prescribed

judging criteria
Why is it that one person likes a particular film and another
loathes it? How is it determined that Ricky Ponting might be
the best batsman in the world? Who decides whether there
is such a thing as a perfect 10 in gymnastics? The answers
to these questions lie in the science of measurement and
appraisal. Measurement and appraisal are not mutually
exclusive: they can exist separately or together. In fact,
adding measurement to appraisal will increase the
objectivity of judgment of a performance.
Using measured numerical information, judges are able to
compare performers among teams or as individuals. Appraisal
relies heavily on the judges subjective evaluation of the
performance. Their objectivity increases as they become
experienced at judging. The evaluation might be done either
by an established criterion (a prescribed judging criterion)
or it might include feelings, emotions, expectations and
preconceived ideas about the performance,
and thus be a personal judging criterion.
Neutral errors include
Similar processes are used whether
those for stepping out
evaluating a movie or choosing a player for
next weeks game based on performance
of bounds or violating
at training. Two examples of prescribed
time requirements,
judging sheets for gymnastics are shown
as well as attire or
in Figure 8.19 (page 168).
podium violations.

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Womens gymnastics scoring sheet

School ____________________ Judge ___________________
No. 1
Vault name

Value

VAULT 1

Event _________ Name of judge _________

Competitor _________
Scratch area Difficulty (4.0)

VAULT 2

Originality (1.5)

Preflight

1 ___________ ____________ On horse

Composition (0.3)

Deduct ____________ Landing

Execution (1.5)

2 ___________ ____________ Neutral

Amplitude (1.3)

Deduct ____________ Total deductions

General impression (1.0)

Final score ________ _________

SCORE

No. 2

Falls, neutral deductions

Vault name

Value

VAULT 1

VAULT 2

FINAL SCORE

Preflight

1 ___________ ____________ On horse

Deduct ____________ Landing
2 ___________ ____________ Neutral
Deduct ____________ Total deductions
Final score ________ _________

Figure 8.19 Two gymnastics scoring sheets

Comp _______________
Event _______________
Score _______________

Judge _______________

Scratch means no handicap or bonus is given.

practical application
Personal versus prescribed judging criteria

Choose a video of a dance or gymnastics performance

to watch; for example, the rock eisteddfod. Develop an
appraisal instrument (prescribed or personal judging)
so that you can evaluate the performance. It may be any
type of instrument. View the performance and judge it
based on the appraisal instrument. Then complete the
following tasks:

a
b

What were the limitations of your instrument?

Exchange your instrument with that of someone

else in the class, and evaluate the performance
using another instrument.

Comment on the objectivity, validity and reliability

of your instrument.

Discuss any similarities or differences in the

judging results.

Research and Review

PDHPE Application and Inquiry

1
2
3
4

There is no such thing as a totally objective appraisal.

Discuss.
What is a quality performance? Explain with examples.
Discuss whether the benefits of skilled performance
outweigh the negative outcomes. Provide examples of
positive and negative outcomes of actual sporting events.
Discuss important considerations when using tests or
instruments to measure skill and performance.

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summary

HOW does the acquisition of skill AFFECT PERFORMANCE?

Chapter summary
There are three stages of skill acquisition:
1

cognitivethe beginning stage where the

individual is working out what needs to be done
to perform the skill

2 associativewhere the individual practises the

skills and begins to apply them in game settings

Revision activities
1

Describe how making a skill more closed in nature

can improve the speed at which it is learnt.

For a sport of your choice, develop a training session

that shows knowledge of the performance elements.

Outline the key differences between a skilled

performance and an unskilled performance.

Distinguish the characteristics that an individual

will display between the cognitive and autonomous
stages of skill acquisition. Use specific examples
from a sport of your choice.

3 autonomouswhere the individual can focus

on the environment in which the skills are
occurring and not on the skill itself.

An individuals characteristics (such as genetic

traits, confidence and prior experience) can
influence the speed with which that person may
acquire a skill.
Open skills are those that occur in an unpredictable
and changing environment and tend to be externally
paced. Closed skills are the opposite of this.
The type of practice undertaken will be determined
by the complexity of the skill and the degree of
physical effort required to perform it.
The type of feedback given to an individual will
change as the person develops the ability to perform
the skill.

Extension activities
1

Identify technology that can be used to improve the

feedback given to an athlete.

Design valid and reliable skills tests that assess a

range of skills in a team sport of your choice.

Choose an elite performer in any sport and describe

the characteristics that athlete displays as a skilled
performer.

Explore the USA Diving website

and explain the way that attempts
have been made to make judging
of diving more objective.

The performance elements are those factors that are

required to perform the skill in a game setting, such
as decision-making skills.
The way a performance is assessed can be objective
(that is, based on facts, such as a score or time)
or subjective (that is, based on the observers
opinion).
Many sports try to make their judging more objective
by establishing specific criteria against which scores
are awarded.
Tests that are valid assess the attribute they state
they are testing for. Reliable tests are those that are
conducted in exactly the same way each time.

WEB

The USA Diving website can

be accessed via www.oup.
com.au/pdhpe12

Exam-style questions
1

Identify how the nature of the skill influences an

individuals ability to learn a movement skill.
(3 marks)

Outline the role of feedback in skill acquisition.

(4 marks)

Describe how the characteristics of a learner can

influence that individuals progression through the
stages of skill acquisition. (5 marks)

4 a

Outline the nature of skills and performance

elements. (4 marks)
b Analyse how these would be applied to the
stages of skill acquisition. (6 marks)

Chapter 8 | HOW DOES THE ACQUISITION OF SKILL AFFECT PERFORMANCE?

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