Skill acquisition

Skill acquisition is a core topic in WJEC A-Level Physical Education, focusing on how performers learn and refine motor skills. It explores the psychological and physiological processes behind skill development, from initial cognitive stages to autonomous performance. Understanding this topic is essential for analysing how athletes improve, how coaches structure practice, and how feedback enhances learning. It directly links to sport psychology and practical performance, making it vital for both exam success and real-world application.

The topic covers key theories such as Fitts and Posner's three-stage model (cognitive, associative, autonomous), types of skill (open/closed, gross/fine, self-paced/externally paced), and methods of practice (massed, distributed, variable, mental). It also examines feedback types (intrinsic/extrinsic, knowledge of results/knowledge of performance) and their role in learning. Mastery of these concepts allows students to critically evaluate coaching strategies and design effective training programmes.

Skill acquisition is not just theoretical; it underpins practical improvement in any sport. By understanding how skills are learned, students can apply principles to their own performance and appreciate the science behind elite coaching. This topic also integrates with other areas of the specification, such as energy systems and biomechanics, providing a holistic view of sports performance.