Developing skills requires the processing of
TASK: Place the following key terms next to Anna’s
information. Anna outlines the key aspects
descriptions outlining what information processing is taking
of her performance in relation to the
place at each stage.
preparation, execution and follow-through of
KEY TERMS:
shooting from the free throw line.
Sensory input, receptors, proprioception, decision making,
mental rehearsal and practice, short-term sensory store, short-
term memory and long-term memory
Preparation:
Line up my chair, focus on the ring, get the ball set in my
hand, take a breath …. and visualize the ball going
through the hoop
Execution:
elbow in, (no chicken wings !!), feel the ball in my
fingers, shoot through the ball, ‘snap’ the wrist
Follow through:
snap wrist and point hand to basket
TASK: Think of other types of basketball skills – List them
under the following three headings
Cognitive skills, perceptual skills and psychomotor skills
Developing these movement patterns is essential for
successful performance in both self and externally paced
sports environments. The general act of throwing is thought
to be classed as a MOTOR PROGRAMME. This is a basic
set of instructions stored in our long term memory that aid
the execution of throwing. The basketball set shot has
specialist and different movement patterns compared to that
of other throwing activities. Anna outlines in the table above
that her set shot performance has several specific motor
programmes that complete the overall movement pattern,
such as ‘snapping’ the wrist. With considerable practice
these programme can become so well learned that it near
automatic. This makes them known as ‘sub routines’ of the
overall motor programme of shooting a set shot.
28 Sport IQ : September 2008