Study Unit 2: Part 1 (HMSC 112) Phases of Motor Development

Phases of Motor Development

Importance of Phases of Motor Development

Understanding the phases of motor development is essential for:

• Knowledge and classification of motor development phases: This understanding aids in categorizing the different stages of motor skill acquisition and developmental benchmarks.

• Guiding the compilation of developmental movement programs: Proper knowledge helps educators and coaches design effective programs that cater to various needs of learners at different developmental stages.

Phases of Motor Development

1. Reflexive Movement Phase

   • Age: Birth to 1 year

   • Characteristics: Involuntary reflexes are prominent, including grasping, sucking, and moro reflex, which are fundamental for initial motor control and survival.

2. Rudimentary Movement Phase (First Movement Phase)

   • Age: 1 to 2 years

   • Characteristics: Development of basic movements such as crawling, sitting, standing, and taking first steps, marking the transition from reflexive actions to voluntary movements.

3. Reflex Inhibition Phase

   • Age: 1 to 2 years

   • Characteristics: Reflexes begin to diminish, allowing for voluntary movement patterns to take shape

4. Pre-control Phase

   • Age: 2 to 3 years

   • Characteristics: Movement patterns start to become more controlled, though still largely influenced by reflexes.

5. Fundamental Movement Phase

   • Age: 2 to 6 years

   • Characteristics: Acquisition of essential movement patterns including running, jumping, and throwing, forming the foundation for physical activity. This phase is crucial for developing coordination, balance, and the ability to explore physical environments.

     ---

     Stages of Motor Development

   1. Elementary Stage

      • Age: 4 to 5 years

      • Characteristics: Enhanced coordination and skill execution marks this stage, with children learning to perform basic skills more confidently and reliably.

   2. Initial Stage

      • Age: 6 to 7 years

      • Characteristics: Further refinement of movement skills occurs, as children practice and improve their capabilities in fundamental skills.

   3. Sport-focused Skills Phase

      • Age: 7 to 10 years

      • Characteristics: Introduction to organized sports begins, alongside the development of specialized skills required for different games and activities.

   4. Specialized Phase

      • Age: 11 to 13 years

      • Characteristics: Development of more advanced and specific motor skills tailored for various sports, including strategic understanding and technical skill development.

   5. Specific Phase

      • Age: 14 years and older

      • Characteristics: Focus shifts to high-level performance and competitive sports, where athletes refine their skills for optimal performance in chosen sports.

Age Periods of Development

• Information Encoding Phase

  • Age: 4 months to 1 year

  • Description: This stage focuses on how children begin to learn about and control their body movements in space.

• Information Decoding Phase

  • Age: 6 to 7 years

  • Description: Children develop the ability to understand and interpret movements through repeated practice and feedback, leading to skill improvement.