The Differences Between Skill, Ability and Technique in Fitness

The Differences Between Skill, Ability and Technique in Fitness

In the sporting world, the question, “what is the difference between

skill, ability and technique?” is often asked. This essay investigates

what defines these three terms and also how they can be improved over

time by practice using sporting examples. Therefore this essay will

include:

· A definition of skill, ability and technique and how they are

different.

· Defining different types of skill.

· The relationship between the three.

· Which is the best way to improve them?

· What effects learning.

· How individuals at each stage should be taught.

· A conclusion rounding up the points made.

“The behaviour which tends to eliminate the discrepancy between

intention and performance.” (Oldfield, 1996). This is one of many ways

of viewing what skill is. Skill is acquired and must be learned and

can be continually developed over time.

Ability, on the other hand, is a genetically determined characteristic

often inherited from parents or developed through maturation and

experience. Examples of these characteristics include good

coordination, balance and speed of reactions.

Thirdly, technique can be defined as the basic movements of any sport

or event required to perform successfully for example, a tennis serve.

In order to fully understand the differences between these three areas

of sporting performance they will be considered in more detail.

The characteristic of a skilled performance is: “The learned ability

to bring about pre determined results with maximum certainty and often

with the minimum outlay of time energy or both.”(Knapp, 1977)...

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programme there should be a huge improvement in the amount of British

athletes emerging at a young age.

References

Davis, Bull, Roscoe and Roscoe (1997) Physical Education and the Study

of Sport (Third Edition) Tavistock Square, London

Beashal, P and Taylor, J (1996) Advanced Studies in Physical Education

and Sport Tottenham Court Road, London

Wesson, Wiggins, Thompson and Hartigan (2002) Sport and PE a complete

guide to AS level study Tottenham Court Road, London

Galligan, Maskery, Spence, Howe, Barry, Ruston and Crawford (2000)

Advanced PE for Edexcel Jordan Hill, Oxford

http://www.brianmac.demon.co.uk/skills.htm

Proficiency Abilities

* static strength

* dynamic strength

* explosive strength

* trunk strength

* extent flexibility

* dynamic flexibility