AQA · A-Level · Physical Education
Course version: 7582 · Version from Sept 2016
Skill and technique development.
Full specification wording
The role of technology in physical activity and sport: Skill and technique development.
Technology supports the development of skill and technique by giving performers precise feedback that the naked eye may miss.
Checked against the AQA 7582 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 10 of 15
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Technology supports the development of skill and technique by giving performers precise feedback that the naked eye may miss. A cricket bowler can be filmed and analysed frame by frame to check the position of the bowling arm; a tennis player can use ball-tracking data to see where serves land and adjust placement. Video analysis, motion-tracking software and apps allow a performer to compare their movement with a model of correct technique, identify a specific fault, and rehearse a correction. The technology does not create the skill; the performer and coach use the feedback to shape practice. Effective use means selecting the relevant information, linking it to the technical model, and repeating the refined movement until it becomes consistent.
What earns the marks
- Video and motion-analysis technology records technique so it can be reviewed in detail, including slow motion.
- Performers compare their movement with a technical model or previous performance to identify faults.
- Feedback from analysis is used to set specific corrections and shape subsequent practice.
- Repeated practice of the corrected movement develops consistency of skill and technique.
- Technology supports skill development but the performer and coach must interpret the feedback and act on it.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Believing that recording technique automatically improves it.
Put it right: The performer must analyse the footage, identify a fault and practise the correction.
Confusing skill with technique.
Put it right: Technique is the mechanical execution of a movement, while skill is the learned ability to perform it consistently and effectively.
Thinking technology replaces practice.
Put it right: Analysis informs practice, and improvement comes from repeated, refined rehearsal.
Exam tips
- Name a specific technology, such as video analysis or motion tracking, and the technique it develops.
- Explain the sequence: record, compare with the model, identify the fault, correct and repeat.
- Use a sporting example to show how feedback changes what the performer practises.
Try the lesson
The start of the The role of technology in physical activity and sport: Skill and technique development. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
A gymnast uses video analysis software to review their vault. Which of the following describes how this technology most effectively aids their skill development?
Listen
Technology supports the development of skill and technique by giving performers precise feedback that the naked eye may miss. A cricket bowler can be filmed and analysed frame by frame to check the position of the bowling arm; a tennis player can use ball-tracking data to see where serves land and adjust placement. Video analysis, motion-tracking software and apps allow a performer to compare their movement with a model of correct technique, identify a specific fault, and rehearse a correction. The technology does not create the skill; the performer and coach use the feedback to shape practice. Effective use means selecting the relevant information, linking it to the technical model, and repeating the refined movement until it becomes consistent. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Video and motion-analysis technology records technique so it can be reviewed in detail, including slow motion. Performers compare their movement with a technical model or previous performance to identify faults. Feedback from analysis is used to set specific corrections and shape subsequent practice. Repeated practice of the corrected movement develops consistency of skill and technique. A common slip: Believing that recording technique automatically improves it. Instead, the performer must analyse the footage, identify a fault and practise the correction. Exam tip: Name a specific technology, such as video analysis or motion tracking, and the technique it develops.
Key words
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Skill and technique development
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Feedback and movement analysis
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Practice and refinement of performance
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Use of technology in physical activity and sport
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See every definition
- Skill and technique development
- Technology supports the development of skill and technique by giving performers precise feedback that the naked eye may miss.
- Feedback and movement analysis
- Video analysis, motion-tracking software and apps allow a performer to compare their movement with a model of correct technique, identify a specific fault, and rehearse a correction.
- Practice and refinement of performance
- Effective use means selecting the relevant information, linking it to the technical model, and repeating the refined movement until it becomes consistent.
- Use of technology in physical activity and sport
- The technology does not create the skill; the performer and coach use the feedback to shape practice.
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