12 PE Revision Quiz

Which one of the following is an important component of the constraints-based approach to skill acquisition?

• Practising the skill in isolation from the game

• Repetition of the skill without opponents present

• Task simplification that maintains links between perception and action

• A coach explicitly instructing an individual on how to perform the skill

A coach is providing crowd noises at a training session in order to simulate a game environment while a netballer is practising shooting goals. Which type of constraint is being manipulated in this scenario?

• Task

• Personal

• Individual

• Environment

The dynamic systems approach is made up of which two dynamic models of learning?

• Dynamic systems theory and ecological model

• Ecological model and motor control system

• Attunement and affordances

• Constraints and self-organisation

Which of the below responses correctly identifies the three central concepts of the ecological model?

• Constraints, self-organisation, affordances

• Perception-action coupling, affordances, attunement

• Affordances, self-organisation, tactical awareness

• Perception-action coupling, attunement, constraints

Compare how movement emerges, according to the dynamic systems approach and the cognitive systems approach.

Answer explanation

Both systems are models for learning motor skills.¹The cognitive systems approach suggests that learning is most effective when the learner is presented with a simple task, which is made more complex as the learner progresses. On the other hand, the dynamic systems approach suggests that learning should take place in authentic environments, because of the perceived role that the environment and the entire body has on the development of motor skills.² Each approach is unique in its understanding and explanation of how motor learning takes place, and while both have something to offer, the dynamic systems approach is more widely recognised in professional sport today.³

Consider the performance of an athlete you admire, and how it is impacted by their tactical awareness. In your answer, include examples of affordances and attunement.

Answer explanation

The performance of an athlete is improved by being more tactically aware. If an athlete is more tactically aware, then they will be more likely to be able to appropriately assess the performance environment¹ and make the best decision.²For example, an athlete in AFL should be attuned to when they are able to take advantage of their height advantage.⁴A forward line player, when defended by a player much smaller than them, would look to isolate themselves close to goal.³

Define the following terms:

1) Affordances

2) Self-organisation

3) Perception-action coupling

4) Attunement

Answer explanation

Affordances: Opportunities for action that present themselves to athletes in a performance environment.¹

Self-organisation: Involves the dynamic interaction of constraints on movement, and when specific constraints are present, the system organises into a specific yet stable state or a preferred method of movement.²

Perception-action coupling: A process that involves interpreting or giving meaning to information from the environment and linking this with a specific movement.³

Attunement: The ability to perceive information in a performance environment and use it to identify available affordances.⁴

Of the options below, select the most appropriate training activity to develop the appropriate perception-action coupling in the athlete.

• Tackling a stationary tackle bag.

• Passing a ball back and forth with a partner.

• Hitting a ball delivered by a bowling/pitching machine.

• Within specific boundaries, playing a game of 3 v. 1 keepings-off.

Select the most appropriate definition of the term ‘affordances’.

• Provided by the environment or the task, but the ability to take advantage of them depends onthe learner.

• The ability to perceive information in a performance environment and use it to identify available options.

• An approach that assists a player or team to successfully optimise performance through the application of specialised movement strategies and movement sequences.

• An internal or external variable that impacts on an athlete’s performance.

Select the response that has the principles of decision making represented in the correct order.

• React, recognise, respond, read, recover

• Read, recognise, respond, react, recover

• Recover, read, react, recognise, respond

• Read, recognise, respond, recover, react