Compare and contrast how the nervous system's control of movement differs between novice and elite table tennis players. (6 marks)
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Sample Answer
Similarities:
- Both novice and elite players use visual processing to track ball trajectory and opponent positioning.
- Both rely on sensory neurons to detect ball speed, spin and table position.
- Both activate motor neurons to execute strokes and footwork patterns.
- Both utilise the cerebellum for balance and coordination during play.
Differences:
- Novices rely heavily on conscious processing in the cerebral cortex while elites use automated motor programs.
- Neural pathways in novices are poorly myelinated causing slow transmission; elites have highly myelinated pathways enabling rapid signals.
- Novices visually track the ball late and react after bouncing; elites anticipate trajectory before opponent contact.
- Novices recruit unnecessary muscle groups wasting energy; elites use minimal activation for maximum efficiency.
- Conscious control in novices limits response speed; automation in elites frees cognitive resources for tactics.
- Novices show jerky, inconsistent technique; elites demonstrate smooth, precise movement patterns.
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Sample Answer
Similarities:
- Both novice and elite players use visual processing to track ball trajectory and opponent positioning.
- Both rely on sensory neurons to detect ball speed, spin and table position.
- Both activate motor neurons to execute strokes and footwork patterns.
- Both utilise the cerebellum for balance and coordination during play.
Differences:
- Novices rely heavily on conscious processing in the cerebral cortex while elites use automated motor programs.
- Neural pathways in novices are poorly myelinated causing slow transmission; elites have highly myelinated pathways enabling rapid signals.
- Novices visually track the ball late and react after bouncing; elites anticipate trajectory before opponent contact.
- Novices recruit unnecessary muscle groups wasting energy; elites use minimal activation for maximum efficiency.
- Conscious control in novices limits response speed; automation in elites frees cognitive resources for tactics.
- Novices show jerky, inconsistent technique; elites demonstrate smooth, precise movement patterns.