Typical video still used in researching the skill of throwing.

Fundamental motor skills such as hopping, jumping, skipping, kicking, throwing, catching and striking are prerequisites to the learning of sport specific skills such as those of basketball, football, gymnastics, tennis, badminton etc. Sport specific skills are comprised of fundamental skills and variations of them. It is very difficult to obtain proficiency in sport skills unless the prerequisite fundamental skills are present.

The fundamental skill phase of development begins in early childhood at about two to three years, and individuals have the potential to be fully proficient in most of them by about six years. Previous research has found that, while there is a considerable genetic influence in the early stages, complete development of the fundamental skills is very much dependent on environmental influences in the form of practice, learning and teaching. This latter fact is often not recognised, with even some professional educators assuming that such skills will emerge automatically.

Sport and exercise scientists at the University of Limerick have found that children are leaving primary school deficient in fundamental motor skills. These findings provide evidence for concerns expressed in the government strategy plan for Irish sport regarding the skill levels of Irish children.

With respect to the fundamental skill of throwing, researchers at Limerick have also found that, when teaching interventions are applied, children of four to six years can acquire full proficiency. This finding is consistent with similar research carried out in the USA. It was also found that, when exposed to appropriate teaching, older children of 12 years can catch up to achieve full development. Work is continuing whereby the research has been extended to include post primary pupils – and other fundamental skills are being examined.

A study is also about to begin which will examine the relationship between fundamental motor skills and sport specific skills from both applied and theoretical perspectives.

The focus on fundamental skills has implications not only for the development of highly skilled sports people, but also for health. Many modern day diseases are due in at least part to lack of physical activity. There is evidence to show that people are more likely to take up or continue participation in sports if they have adequate degrees of skill. A wide repertoire of fundamental skills obtained in childhood would make more specific skills easier to acquire in adolescence and adulthood.

Contact: Dr P.J. Smyth,
Department of Physical Education & Sports Science,
University of Limerick;
E-mail: pj.smyth@ul.ie