Individual DifferencesIndividual Differences

Individual DifferencesIndividual Differences

Relatively stable & enduring characteristics unique to individuals– Height, body type, etc.– # of fast twitch muscle fibers

Affect the rate & potential for developing skill proficiency

Motor AbilitiesMotor AbilitiesGenetic traitsCannot be modified thru practicePrerequisite for skilled performanceDegree to which develop proficiency

dependent on if possess necessary underlying abilities

Abilities & SkillsAbilities & Skills

Inherited traits

Stable & enduring

Few in number

Underlie performance of many skills

Developed with practice

Modifiable

Many in number

Depend on different subsets

CapabilitiesCapabilities

Characteristics subject to change as result of practice

Represent potential to excel in performance of task

Multilimb Coordination

Person A

Person B

Categorizing Motor AbilitiesCategorizing Motor Abilities

11 Perceptual Motor Abilities 9 Physical Abilities All abilities may not yet

be identified– Tracking– Eye-Foot Coordination– Dynamic Balance– Static Balance

Perceptual Motor AbilitiesPerceptual Motor AbilitiesControl precision Ability to make highly

controlled movement adjustments

Dribbling a soccer ball

Multi-limb Coordination

Ability to coordinate numerous limb movements simultaneously

Spiking a volleyball

Reaction Time Ability to rapidly initiate a response

Start in swimming race

Rate Control Ability to make continuous speed and direction adjustments

Mountain biking

Physical Proficiency AbilitiesPhysical Proficiency AbilitiesDynamic Strength

Ability to exert force repeatedly

Rock Climbing

Explosive Strength

Ability to create maximum effort by combining force & velocity

Throwing a javelin

Dynamic Flexibility

Ability to make repeated, rapid flexing movements

Springboard diving

Gross Body Coordination

Ability to coordinate numerous movements simultaneously while in motion

Slalom Skiing

What do you think?What do you think?Can an individual have abilities but not be

skilled?Can an individual be skilled without ability?

Practical ApplicationPractical Application

Expect to see differences in patterns of people’s abilities

Individual pattern will facilitate better performance on some tasks rather than others

Ability pattern only one factor contributing to performance

Underlying Abilities - Underlying Abilities - Volleyball SpikeVolleyball Spike

Control Precision Multi-limb Coord. Rate Control Aiming Explosive Strength Trunk Strength Dynamic Flexibility

Skill SubsetsSkill Subsets

MOTOR ABILITIES

Reaction Response Speed of Limb Manual Multilimb Time Orientation Movement Dexterity Coordination

Quarterback Sprinter Bowler Gymnast

Baseball Pitcher Basketball Player Race Car Driver Archer

Task AnalysisTask Analysis

Choose a skillPerform task analysisDetermine underlying abilities required to

achieve high degree proficiency

Perceptual Motor AbilitiesPerceptual Motor Abilities

Multilimb coordination Control precision Response orientation Reaction time Speed of arm movement Rate control Manual dexterity Finger dexterity Arm-hand steadiness Wrist/finger speed Aiming

Physical Proficiency AbilitiesPhysical Proficiency Abilities

Static strength Dynamic strength Explosive strength Trunk strength Extent flexibility Dynamic flexibility Gross body coordination Stamina

Predicting Future Predicting Future PerformancePerformance

Possible?Problems?