Sport Skill Acquisition: Integrating Theory and Practice

In recent decades, sport science has seen an explosion in the volume of knowledge regarding skill acquisition and motor control. Sport Skill Acquisition carefully and critically considers the expanding knowledge, with a focus on application, examining three major theoretical perspectives that dominate the field:: cognitive, ecological dynamics, and predictive processing. Editors Dave Collins, PhD, and Jamie Taylor, PhD, use their combined wisdom as coaches, coach developers, and expert sport psychology practitioners to offer practical advice on blending theoretical approaches, using examples from a variety of sports and activities.

Students and practitioners across a variety of professions based on the development and refinement of effective movement-including coaches, sport scientists, physical educators, physical therapists, and trainers-will appreciate the applied focus of Sport Skill Acquisition. The text champions the connection of research to direct application using a practice termed professional judgment and decision making (PJDM), or the it depends approach, which stresses the need to carefully consider and apply the best strategy for each particular context.

Organized into four parts, Sport Skill Acquisition begins by considering the three theoretical approaches to skill acquisition. It goes on to explore how these different approaches can be used separately or in a blended form, before considering the wider ramifications of an integrated approach. Then the mental, organizational, planning, and social aspects of skill are discussed, along with practical guidance on how skill can best be planned for, developed, executed, and integrated.

Throughout the book, learning features guide readers through the content. Chapter objectives direct readers on their learning path and ensure they focus on key concepts, while chapter summaries offer a concise wrap-up of the material presented. Review questions and key terms support understanding and knowledge. Case studies and practical questions offer real-life situations that support critical thinking.

For those looking to improve their work with performers, Sport Skill Acquisition provides a road map for choosing the best approach for each unique situation to develop skills for optimal sport performance.