Understanding Skills and Abilities in Sports

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following BEST describes the relationship between skills and abilities?

Skills and abilities are both learned behaviors but are not related to an individual's traits.

Skills are inherited traits, while abilities are learned through practice.

Skills and abilities are both inherited traits and are not modified by practice.

Abilities are inherited traits that can facilitate the learning of skills. (correct)

A gymnast's natural balance is considered what in the context of skill development?

A basic skill required for all gymnastics.

An inherited ability that can enhance skill learning. (correct)

A type of complex skill.

A practiced skill mastered over time.

A skill performed in a constantly changing environment like a soccer game is best described as?

A fine skill

A basic skill

A closed skill

An open skill (correct)

Which type of skill is demonstrated when a surgeon performs a delicate operation?

Fine skill (B) Signup and view all the answers

An olympic weightlifter starting their lift is demonstrating what type of skill initiation?

Self paced (A) Signup and view all the answers

A complex skill is best understood as one that includes which characteristic?

Many decisions, many choices to be made. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best represents a gross motor skill?

Lifting a heavy box (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which example below best demonstrates an externally paced skill?

A baseball pitch coming towards you (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the Inverted U theory propose about arousal and performance?

Peak performance is reached at an optimal level of arousal, with performance declining at levels too low or too high. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these sports is most likely to require lower arousal levels?

Cricket fielding (B) Signup and view all the answers

A rugby player is experiencing elevated level of arousal before a match. According to the text, what should they use to control their arousal?

Implementing deep breathing exercises or visualization. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of positive self-talk in controlling arousal levels, as described in the text?

To reassure and calm the performer via internal dialogue. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What technique involves exaggerating breaths in and out to control arousal?

Deep breathing (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key distinction between visualization and imagery?

Visualization is a mental rehearsal of skill execution, while imagery focuses on imagining a relaxing scene or place. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT mentioned as a method for controlling arousal levels?

Physical Exertion (D) Signup and view all the answers

What effect will over-arousal MOST likely have on an athlete's performance?

A decline in performance. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes an introvert?

Tends to be quiet, thoughtful and typically prefers individual sports. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a characteristic of an extroverted athlete?

Often excels at team sports and requires high levels of arousal. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation?

Intrinsic motivation centers on internal feelings, while extrinsic stems from external rewards. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an intangible extrinsic reward?

Receiving praise and feedback from the coach. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which form of motivation is generally considered more powerful?

Intrinsic motivation because it is driven by internal satisfaction. (D) Signup and view all the answers

An athlete who thrives in a high-pressure, fast-paced team environment is likely to be:

An extrovert seeking social interaction and stimulation. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which situation best demonstrates intrinsic motivation?

An athlete enjoying the process and feeling proud of their performance. (D) Signup and view all the answers

An athlete who becomes anxious due to over-stimulation is likely to be:

An introvert who prefers a calm and relaxed setting. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Skill and Ability

Skills are learned and performed consistently using the correct technique.
Abilities are inherited traits that remain relatively constant throughout life.
Abilities help performers learn skills.

The Beam

Balance is an inherited ability that allows gymnasts to develop beam skills more easily.
Practice is necessary to perfect handstand splits on the beam.
Skillful execution is characterized by technical quality.

Types of Skill

Skills can be categorized as closed or open.
Skills can be fine or gross.
Skills can be basic or complex.
Skills can be self-paced or externally-paced.
These are all placed on a continuum.

Open/Closed

Open skills are performed in unstable environments; the performance is dictated by external factors (e.g., opponent's actions in a game).
Closed skills are performed in stable environments; the performance is not affected by outside factors (e.g., a tennis serve).
Open skills are externally paced (determined by outside factors) whereas closed skills are self-paced (controlled by the performer).

Fine/Gross

Fine skills involve precise movements of small muscle groups (e.g., in sports like archery).
Gross skills involve large movements of large muscle groups (e.g., in sports like rugby).
Precision and accuracy are crucial in fine motor skills.

Self-Paced/Externally-Paced

Self-paced skills are those where the performer controls the start of the movement and its pace or speed.
Externally paced skills are those where the start of the movement is outside the performer’s control, and the speed or rate of movement is dictated by external factors.

Basic/Complex

Basic skills require few decisions and are often taught to novices (e.g., a beginner's golf swing).
Complex skills require multiple decisions and a great deal of practice (e.g., a professional athlete’s golf swing).

Inverted U Theory

Arousal is a physical and mental state ranging from calm to excitement.
Performance improves with increasing arousal to a certain point, then declines if arousal continues to rise.
Optimal performance occurs at a moderate level of arousal.
Increased arousal results in physiological effects like increased heart rate and sweat.
Athletes need to control arousal to optimize performance.

Arousal Levels

Some sports require higher arousal levels (e.g., rugby tackles).
Other sports require lower arousal levels for better performance (e.g., cricket fielding).

Controlling Arousal

Strategies like self-talk, visualisation, and deep breathing can help control arousal.

Positive Self Talk

Positive self-talk involves performers talking to themselves in a reassuring way to manage arousal levels.

Deep Breathing

Deep breathing is a physical technique using exaggerated breaths to relax the body and to control arousal levels, calming nerves and aiding focus.

Mental Rehearsal

Mental rehearsal involves imagining oneself successfully executing a skill before attempting it.
Imagery can encompass visualizing a calming environment.

Personality

Sports psychologists study athlete personalities to distinguish them from others.
Common personality categories include introverts and extroverts.

Introvert

Introverts do not need high arousal levels, tend to be shy, quiet, thoughtful, and solitary.
Individual sports and fine motor skills are common for introverts.
Low arousal levels are ideal for introverted athletes.

Extrovert

Extroverts require high arousal levels, are often sociable, and may lack concentration when alone, enjoying interactions with others.
Team sports with fast paces, gross skill movements are common for extroverts.
Often leaders in a team.

Motivation

Motivation is the drive to succeed or desire to achieve something.
Motivation can be categorized into intrinsic and extrinsic.

Intrinsic Motivation

Intrinsic motivation comes from within the performer, bringing feelings of pride, self-satisfaction, and general achievement.

Extrinsic Motivation

Extrinsic motivation is driven by external rewards such as certificates, trophies, medals, praise and feedback from the crowd (tangible and intangible rewards).

Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation Working Together

Extrinsic rewards can be useful but can discourage intrinsic motivation if overused.
Intrinsic and extrinsic motivations can complement each other in driving success.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential differences between skills and abilities in sports, highlighting their characteristics and categorization. It also delves into specific examples concerning balance on the beam and the classification of skills as open or closed. Test your knowledge on how practice and environment affect skill execution.