Skill and Ability

Key Definitions

Skill: A learned action or behaviour with the intention of bringing about pre-determined results.
Ability: These are inherited traits that determine an individual’s natural aptitude for a particular skill.

Types of Skill

Cognitive Skills: These are intellectual skills that require thought processes. They involve decision-making, problem-solving, and strategising.
Perceptual Skills: These revolve around interpretation and analysis of sensory information.
Motor Skills: These involve movement and muscular control, including balance, agility, coordination and flexibility.
Perceptual Motor Skill: A combination of cognitive, perceptual and motor skills.

Factors Impacting Skill and Ability

Age: There are optimal age ranges for learning certain skills.
Fitness Levels: Good physical health and fitness levels can improve the capacity to acquire and perform skills.
Intrinsic Motivation: This comes from within the individual, fuelled by personal interest, satisfaction, and the desire for improvement.
External Environment: These are factors outside an individual’s control that can impact their ability to develop new skills, such as weather conditions, equipment, or training facilities.

Stages of Learning

Cognitive Stage: This is the first stage where the beginner tries to understand the demands and requirements of the skill.
Associative Stage: In the second stage, the learner starts to refine their skill through practice.
Autonomous Stage: In the final stage, the learner can execute the skill automatically without conscious thought.

Importance of Skill Acquisition

Performance Improvement: Effective skill acquisition techniques lead to improved results and performance in physical activities.
Self Confidence: Mastery of a new skill can enhance self-esteem and academic performance.
Mental & Physical Health: Skill acquisition offers mental stimulus, improves physical health and promotes emotional wellbeing.
Prevents Injury: Correct skill acquisition is vital for avoiding injuries linked to improper technique or control.

Remember that the formation of effective skills is a long and complex process involving internal, inherent abilities and external factors. It’s a journey of progression through different stages of learning, all with the aim of achieving autonomous execution. Avoid the trap of getting frustrated during the learning process - practice and perseverance will lead to eventual mastery.