Motor Learning

Visual Cues

Gives learner opportunity to watch the desired skill or use visual aids as targets.

Verbal Cues

A short task orientated phrase which directs a performers attention to task relevant stimuli in order to enhance performance.

Proprioceptive Cues

Help CNS to control force, speed and position of body. Players can use info to change their next performance if required.

Input (stimulus)

Involves the sensory mechanism to detect cues in the environment.

Decision-Making

When the brain processes all data received and chooses a response.

Output

The muscular system carries out moevment as determined by chosen response.

Feedback

Athlete receives internal and external feedback about performance of selected response.

Cognitive Phase

The initial phase of learning of a motor skill where the emphasis is on conscious understanding of the task requirements.

Associative Phase

The second phase of learning in which movement patterns become ore refined and consistent through practice.

Autonomous Phase

The final phase of learning in which the control of movement appears to be almost automatic and free of the need for constant attention.

Gross Skill

Involve movement of major muscle groups resulting in large body movements, e.g. weight lifting

Fine Skill

Involve movement of smaller muscle groups resulting in more precise movement, e.g. darts

Discrete Skill

Has a clear beginning and end, e.g. diving

Serial Skill

Made up of a number of discrete skills put together in a certain order, e.g. gymnastics routine

Continuous Skill

Don’t have a clear beginning or end, e.g. running

Closed Skill

Where the performer has the greatest control over their performance environment, e.g. golf shot

Open Skill

Where the performer is required to be flexible and adapt to a constantly changing environment, e.g. kayaking

Characteristics of Complexity

• number of relevant cues that require attention

• amount of information that needs to be analysed

• number of available responses to select from

• time available to analyse information and select response

• task requirements - degree of speed and accuracy

Purpose of Feedback

Coach can provide feedback that motivates the performer to continue to strive for improvement or given to the performer aimed at changing and improving aspects of their performance.

Intrinsic Feedback

Received from sensory receptors inside muscles, joints and tendons which provide information to the performer about their execution of the skill.

Extrinsic Feedback

Information received from outside the body by the sensory system or by another person such as a coach.

Knowledge of Performance

Subjective feedback that a performer receives regarding the quality of their movement or technique.

Knowledge of Results

Objective feedback which provides the performer with information regarding the success of their performance in achieving a desired outcome.