MOTOR LEARNING IN SPORTS

CATIPON, JATH LEVI

CEDEÑO, JENUARIO
SEVILLA, SEAN MARCO
INTRODUCTION

Motor learning is the process of acquiring new motor skills or improving

existing ones through practice and experience. It involves changes in the nervous
system that allow us to perform movements more smoothly, efficiently, and
accurately.

Importance of motor learning in sports performance:

Skill Acquisition: Every sport requires a complex set of motor skills, from basic
things like running and jumping to sport-specific techniques like throwing a
javelin or kicking a soccer ball. Motor learning allows athletes to acquire these
skills and develop them to a high level.
Refinement and Efficiency: As athletes practice, motor learning helps them refine
their movements, making them smoother, more efficient, and more accurate. This
translates to better performance in terms of speed, power, and precision.
Automaticity: With enough practice, motor skills become more automatic, freeing
up mental focus for other aspects of the game. For instance, a basketball player
doesn't have to consciously think about dribbling once they've mastered the skill,
allowing them to concentrate on strategy or anticipating opponent moves.
Muscle Memory: Motor learning is often referred to as "muscle memory" because it
involves the creation of strong neural pathways that control movement. This muscle
memory allows athletes to perform complex skills consistently under pressure.
Injury Recovery: Motor learning also plays a vital role in injury rehabilitation.
When athletes suffer injuries, they need to re-learn how to move properly. Motor
learning principles can be applied in physical therapy to help them regain strength,
coordination, and confidence.
 PRINCIPLES OF MOTOR LEARNING

Practice Variability
Described as a variety of:
 skills
 practice conditions

"repetition without repetition”

-Nikolai Bernstein
Increase in variability may lead to: skill errors and decreased performance.
When implemented in training correctly can improve:
• Retention
• Transfer of motor skills
• Overall performance

Two types of practice variability:

• Intra-skill (practicing variations of a skill): improves adaptability of skills
• Inter-skill (practicing different skills altogether): improved learning through
cognitive effort
Factors to consider:
1. Purpose of the training session
2. Skill level
Transfer of Learning: Described as the influence of previous experiences,
knowledge, and skill on learning of a new skill and performing of the same skill
in a different context.
Types of transfer:
• Positive transfer
• Negative transfer
• Zero transfer
Categories of transfer:

1.Transfer between skills

2.Practice to performance
3.Abilities linked to skills
4.Limb to limb (bilateral)
5.Principle to skill
6.Stages of learning
 WHOLE VS PART PRACTICE

WHOLE
When a skill/movement is taught all in
one piece, without it being broken
down into smaller chunks. This is
commonly used in coaching for
teaching discrete, continuous and
serial skills.
PART
When a skill/movement is broken
down into component parts or phases.
This is also commonly used in
coaching, and tends to be used to teach
complex movements, or when a
performer needs to re-learn or adapt
part of their technique.
 WHOLE VS PART PRACTICE
WHEN TO APPLY WHOLE
PRACTICE:
Whole practice is best used when the
movements are relatively simple for
the performer to learn and/or there is
more of a demand on timing and
sequencing, rather than precise
positions. Whole practice is best when
trying to refine temporal aspects of the
movement.
WHEN TO APPLY PART
PRACTICE:
Part practice is best employed when
the movement is highly complex,
relative to the level of the performer.
Part practice can also be used when
the aim is to make spatial adaptations
to technique.
Contextual interference involves mixing up your practice structure, either by
adding different tasks and/or adding practice variability when learning a skill. The
contextual interference effect shows that this interference results in worse practice
performance, but a greater ability to retain and transfer skill at a later date.
• This effect is counterintuitive, as we tend to associate better practice
performance with athletes learning more. Whereas, the contextual interference
effect tells us that this may not always be the case. By adding in more practice
variability, we challenge the athlete, they make more errors, but this seems to
create a longer lasting change in performance (increased learning).
• Based on the evidence to date, it appears practice variability can result in
slightly worse practice performance, but better retention and transfer of
sporting skill. There is further evidence to indicate systematically increasing
contextual interference could be the best approach when coaching beginners
 BENEFITS OF MOTOR LEARNING IN SPORTS

Improved Performance: Motor learning enhances skill acquisition and

execution. Athletes who engage in motor learning practices consistently
develop better technique, precision, and efficiency in their movements,
resulting in overall improved performance on the field or court.

Injury Prevention: Motor learning helps athletes develop efficient

movement patterns, which can reduce the risk of injuries. By mastering
proper techniques and body mechanics, athletes can minimize unnecessary
stress on their bodies and decrease the likelihood of sustaining injuries
during training and competition.
Adaptability: Motor learning equips athletes with the ability to adapt to
changing game situations. Through practice and repetition, athletes develop a
repertoire of skills and techniques that allow them to respond effectively to
unexpected challenges, such as defensive strategies or opponent adjustments,
during competition.
Consistency: Motor learning contributes to achieving reliable performance
under pressure. By ingraining consistent movement patterns through practice,
athletes can perform at a high level consistently, even in high-pressure
situations like crucial game moments or championship events.
Confidence: Motor learning fosters self-assurance through skill mastery. As
athletes improve their skills and proficiency through deliberate practice and
refinement, they gain confidence in their abilities. This confidence translates
into improved mental toughness, resilience, and performance on the field,
empowering athletes to tackle challenges with a positive mindset.
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Examples of how motor learning principles are applied in sports

training:

Skill progressions, which involve breaking down complex skills into manageable
steps, can be applied in a variety of spots. Here are a few examples:
Sports: As mentioned previously, this is a prime area where skill progressions are
crucial. Whether it's a baseball player learning to swing a bat or a figure skater
perfecting a jump, coaches utilize skill progressions to break down complex
movements into smaller, more achievable steps. This allows athletes to master
each step before moving on to the next, building a strong foundation for the
complete skill.
Feedback Strategies:
Feedback is a vital tool in sports training, helping athletes understand
their performance and make improvements. Timely and specific feedback
is especially effective in enhancing learning and skill development.
Timely Feedback: Providing feedback promptly after an athlete's
performance allows them to connect the feedback with their actions. This
immediacy reinforces learning and facilitates adjustments in technique or
strategy.
Specific Feedback: Instead of vague praise or criticism, specific
feedback focuses on particular aspects of the athlete's performance. It
highlights strengths and areas for improvement, enabling athletes to
understand what they're doing well and where they can make
adjustments.
Simulation training refers to using simulated environments, scenarios, or
equipment to replicate real-game situations and facilitate skill development.
Strategies implemented for simulation training includes:
Video Analysis: Reviewing recorded footage of games or practice sessions to
analyze performance, identify areas for Improvement, and develop strategies.

Drills and Scrimmages: Structured practice sessions designed to simulate game-

like conditions, allowing athletes to apply skills and tactics in a competitive
environment.
Equipment Simulators: Devices that replicate the feel and dynamics of sports
equipment, such as golf simulators or baseball batting cages, to allow athletes to
practice specific skills with precision.

Simulation training in sports aims to enhance athletes' cognitive, technical, and

decision-making abilities by providing realistic practice opportunities and
immediate feedback on performance.