Compare and contrast self-paced and externally paced skills, using examples from individual and team sports to illustrate your answer. (5 marks)
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Sample Answer
- Self-paced skills such as a golf swing allow the performer complete control over when to initiate the movement, whereas externally paced skills like a football goalkeeper saving a penalty must respond to external timing dictated by the opponent’s actions.
- Learning progression typically occurs more rapidly with self-paced skills as beginners can concentrate fully on technique without time pressure, which explains why novice golfers can develop basic putting skills more quickly than novice tennis players can master returning serves.
- The psychological pressure differs significantly, with self-paced skills creating potential for overthinking and anxiety during pre-performance routines, as evident in elite golfers who sometimes experience “yips” when putting, whereas externally paced skills create pressure through required rapid decision-making.
- Practice methods differ, with self-paced skills benefiting from consistent repetition focusing on technique refinement, while externally paced skills require variable practice conditions that develop reaction time and anticipation.
- In team sports, players must often transition between self-paced skills (like a free kick in soccer) and externally paced skills (like intercepting a pass), requiring adaptable attentional focus and timing capabilities that elite athletes develop through specialised training.
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Sample Answer
- Self-paced skills such as a golf swing allow the performer complete control over when to initiate the movement, whereas externally paced skills like a football goalkeeper saving a penalty must respond to external timing dictated by the opponent’s actions.
- Learning progression typically occurs more rapidly with self-paced skills as beginners can concentrate fully on technique without time pressure, which explains why novice golfers can develop basic putting skills more quickly than novice tennis players can master returning serves.
- The psychological pressure differs significantly, with self-paced skills creating potential for overthinking and anxiety during pre-performance routines, as evident in elite golfers who sometimes experience “yips” when putting, whereas externally paced skills create pressure through required rapid decision-making.
- Practice methods differ, with self-paced skills benefiting from consistent repetition focusing on technique refinement, while externally paced skills require variable practice conditions that develop reaction time and anticipation.
- In team sports, players must often transition between self-paced skills (like a free kick in soccer) and externally paced skills (like intercepting a pass), requiring adaptable attentional focus and timing capabilities that elite athletes develop through specialised training.