Lesson aims:
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To understand the difference between a skill and
a technique.
To be able to classify the different types of skill.
To understand the importance of model
performers when developing skill
What is skill?
 A definition of skill is given below
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‘Skill is our ability to choose and perform the right techniques at the right
time, successfully, regularly and with minimum effort’
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(Beashel and Taylor p88 The world of sport examined)_
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Skilled behaviour is, as a rule, intended.
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A skilful performer tends to make the right choices at the right times.
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Their performance seems effortless and fluent.
The difference between skill and
technique
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A skill is not the same thing as a technique. Skilful performers have
the ability to use one or more techniques appropriately and effectively
at the right time and in the correct situation.
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TECHNIQUE is the way in which a skill is performed. A skill can be
performed using more than one technique. For example a smash in
badminton can be played standing or as a jump smash.
Standing Smash
Jump Smash
Classification of Skills
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Open and Closed Skills
Open skills are externally paced. The timing of them depends on factors
external to the performer, such as their opponent’s movements and the pace
and height a shuttle or ball is moving at.
e.g. How a smash in badminton is performed will depend on the position of
the opponent the height the shuttle is at and the position on court the shuttle
is landing.
Closed Skills are internally paced. The performer is in full control of the
timing and movements.
e.g A golf swing is entirely performed at the golfers pace.
Skills performed in an unpredictable environment are Open skills.
e.g. Team games are played in an ever changing environment that makes it
difficult for a performer to predict what will happen next.
Skills performed in predictable environments are closed skills. In such an
environment, the performer can go through pre-learned routines without
having to consider environmental changes, for example diving, archery or
shot putt.
Closed – Open Skills
SIMPLE OR COMPLEX SKILLS
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Skills also exist on a continuum between simple
and complex.
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Simple skills involve only basic movements and
relatively straightforward decision-making
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Complex skills are the opposite; they involve
making choices between a range of possible
decisions.
Simple or complex skills
Discrete, Continous and Serial
skills
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Skills can also be classified as Discrete,
Continuous or Serial.
Discrete skills have a distinct beginning and
end.
Continuous skills have no obvious beginning
or end.
Serial skills are those that link together several
discrete or continuous skills to form an
apparently continuous performance.
Discrete skill – Badminton high
serve
Continuous Skill – Swimming front
crawl
Serial skill – Long Jump
Group task
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Carefully read the skill description
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Next place yourself under the correct skill
classification heading within the classroom.
Model Performers
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Model performers can show us how to
improve.
The idea is that by seeing someone else
playing badminton well, you will get a
clearer picture of how a skill should be
performed.
Model performers are not always
exceptional performers of international
standards. They may simply perform at a
higher standard than you.
Group Task
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In the final groups you finished up in assign a person to
the role of:
Scribe , Spokesperson, sorter and checker.
create a list of at least 5 bullet points that explain the
ways regular use of a model performer can help you
develop a skill.
When you have completed your list pass your sheet to
another group, read out the other groups answers and
check for similarities or differences to your groups
answers.
BENEFITS OF USING MODELS OF
PERFORMANCE
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Allows you to see a clear picture of what you are aiming to achieve when performing a
complex Badminton skill, for example, a backhand clear
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Allows you to see whether any improvement is being made as you progress.
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Watching models of performance can motivate you to work towards performing at
their level.
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Allows you to compare and contrast your own performance against that of the model.
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Gives the opportunity to set short and long term goals
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Shows different qualities and consistencies in the shots of a model performer
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Helps you to detect any flaws
Homework: Due Fri
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th
26
aug
Complete homework sheet 1 and 2
Refer to pages 20 - 24 of your course notes for
Homework sheet 1.
Refer to pages 25 – 29 of your course notes for
Homework sheet 2.