The Difference Between Skill, Ability and Technique in Fitness

The Difference Between Skill, Ability and Technique in Fitness

When discussing skill it is vital we understand the differences

between skill and ability but also see how they link to create

technique.

In sport we use skill as more of a concept than a word. Obviously

there are skills that exist within a sport, e.g. a penalty shot in

lacrosse, or sport itself is often seen to be a skill.

A definition of skill is ‘a co-ordinated act, involving complex

movements brought together in a consistent and smooth manner.’

Obviously everyone has their own interpretations and ideas of what a

skill is and what makes someone skilful in how they act and perform

but this will be due to our own experiences and performances. A

professional sportsman would have a different view from a performer

who is a novice on whether something was skilful.

A perfect example for a skills practice is a penalty shot in lacrosse,

as it requires the same technique each time as they will be identical

with the only thing changing being the hash mark from where you would

have to shoot from. As just mentioned a certain degree of technique is

needed when performing this skill showing that skill and technique are

closely related.

The only thing that can interfere with our shot is the goalie

therefore making this

an interactive skill. This is when there are direct interactions with

someone else

which could affect your execution of the skill. The one advantage you

have is

the goalie has no idea where you’re going to shoot, so wont know where

to react

to. So for your practice continually shoot into one spot over and over

until every time your accuracy is perfect. Try this from different

hash marks as you don’t know which one you will be awarded a penalty

from. Once your technique and accuracy is perfect put a goalie in the

goal and practice penalty shots against them each time shooting into

that specific area. Remember to do this from different hash marks.