IGCSE PE: Skill and ability

Skill

A learned and practised ability that brings about the result you want to achieve with maximum certainty and efficiency.

How are skill and ability related?

A person's ability will help them to learn a skill. Someone with good hand-eye coordination and fast reaction times will possibly be good at racquet sports. Their innate ability will help them to become good at the skills they practise.

Factors that can affect the variation of skill level: Culture

Background can impact upon the skills you learn. A person with the ability to play striking sports is likely to play baseball in USA, but cricket in India.

Factors that can affect the variation of skill level: Age and maturity

How young a person is can affect how good they become. Starting younger provides more time to become an expert.

Factors that can affect the variation of skill level: Anxiety

If you see the skill as difficult, for example, it may stop you from improving. The coach must break the skill down to help motivate you.

Factors that can affect the variation of skill level: Arousal conditions

Someone who is calm and enjoys low arousal may perform well in shooting or archery, which require fine motor skills. People with high arousal levels may prefer rugby or boxing, which require more gross motor skills.

Factors that can affect the variation of skill level: Facilities

The kind of facilities that are available and accessible will impact on the sports that are offered.

Ability

The qualities and characteristics a person is born with, such as speed, agility, coordination, flexibility, balance, reaction time, that allows a person to learn or acquire skills.

Factors that can affect the variation of skill level: Teaching and coaching

The quality and provision of teaching and coaching available will affect the skill level.

Factors that can affect the variation of skill level: Motivation

This will influence the skills you choose and how well you master them. A desire to succeed will encourage you to practise and seek new challenges.

Factors that can affect the variation of skill level: Environment

Where you live will affect your choices. If you live where there is snow, you are more likely to ski than if you live in a tropical environment. The same applies to the coast, in the countryside or in a city.