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Describe the stages of skill acquisition that an athlete should typically pass through when developing a skill. - HSC - SSCE Personal Development and Physical Education - Question 25 - 2010 - Paper 1
Question 25
Describe the stages of skill acquisition that an athlete should typically pass through when developing a skill.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Describe the stages of skill acquisition that an athlete should typically pass through when developing a skill. - HSC - SSCE Personal Development and Physical Education - Question 25 - 2010 - Paper 1
Step 1
Cognitive Stage
Answer
In the cognitive stage, the athlete learns the basic mechanics of a skill. This stage is characterized by the athlete's need for significant guidance and instruction. They may experience high levels of errors as they struggle to understand the demands of the skill, relying heavily on feedback to make adjustments. It is essential for instructors to provide clear demonstrations and specific feedback during this stage to facilitate understanding.
Step 2
Associative Stage
Answer
During the associative stage, the athlete begins to refine their movements and reduce errors. This stage involves associating the various components of the skill together. Feedback remains crucial, but the athlete may rely less on external instructions and begin to use their own internal feedback mechanisms. The athlete starts to demonstrate improved consistency and can execute the skill in a more fluid manner.
Step 3
Autonomous Stage
Answer
In the autonomous stage, the skill becomes largely automatic for the athlete. They can perform the skill with little conscious effort, which allows them to focus on other aspects of performance, such as strategy and environmental factors. The athlete's ability to execute the skill seamlessly is paramount, and they can adapt their performance in response to changing conditions, making this stage critical for high-level competition.