How does the classification of a skill as fine or gross motor affect skill acquisition and retention for both recreational and elite athletes. Provide specific examples in your response. (6 marks)
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*Cause-and-effect language that directly addresses the “How” (unofficial) keyword is bolded in the answer below.
- Fine motor skills require longer acquisition periods because precision demands necessitate extensive neural programming. Recreational archers need 6-12 months to develop consistent release technique due to complex finger coordination. Further, elite dart players spend years perfecting their throw. This demonstrates the time investment needed for precision.
- Gross motor skills are acquired rapidly since they build on existing movements. Basketball players learn layups in weeks because the action uses familiar running and jumping patterns. This leads to faster progress than less natural actions required in sports like archery or darts.
- Practice structure also differ due to attention demands. Fine motor skills, used in activities like golf putting, benefit from short daily sessions as concentration fades quickly. Conversely, swimmers train for 90 minutes because large muscle groups handle extended work. In this way, session length must match skill demands.
- Feedback requirements vary because of movement complexity. Archery coaches focus on finger position which enables precise corrections. Rugby coaches address overall tackling form since movement patterns matter more than minute details.
- Fine motor skills can deteriorate quickly under pressure because stress disrupts control, causing issue such as putting yips. In contrast, swimmers maintain stroke technique under pressure as gross patterns remain stable. This clearly demonstrates the different retention characteristics between skill types.
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*Cause-and-effect language that directly addresses the “How” (unofficial) keyword is bolded in the answer below.
- Fine motor skills require longer acquisition periods because precision demands necessitate extensive neural programming. Recreational archers need 6-12 months to develop consistent release technique due to complex finger coordination. Further, elite dart players spend years perfecting their throw. This demonstrates the time investment needed for precision.
- Gross motor skills are acquired rapidly since they build on existing movements. Basketball players learn layups in weeks because the action uses familiar running and jumping patterns. This leads to faster progress than less natural actions required in sports like archery or darts.
- Practice structure also differ due to attention demands. Fine motor skills, used in activities like golf putting, benefit from short daily sessions as concentration fades quickly. Conversely, swimmers train for 90 minutes because large muscle groups handle extended work. In this way, session length must match skill demands.
- Feedback requirements vary because of movement complexity. Archery coaches focus on finger position which enables precise corrections. Rugby coaches address overall tackling form since movement patterns matter more than minute details.
- Fine motor skills can deteriorate quickly under pressure because stress disrupts control, causing issue such as putting yips. In contrast, swimmers maintain stroke technique under pressure as gross patterns remain stable. This clearly demonstrates the different retention characteristics between skill types.