Netball

            Netball is a fast, skilful team game based on running, jumping, throwing and catching. The game of netball was known as "Women's Basketball" in Australia until as recently as 1970. Women liked the game despite several restrictions including uniforms making skills difficult to execute. So the ladies decided to adapt the game to suit their circumstances. Today the game is the most popular women's sport in Australia with an estimated 1 million players nation wide. Although traditionally identified as a sport for women, there is no reason why it cannot be played with mixed teams, and increasingly more boys and men are becoming involved. At an International level Australia is well respected by over 40 affiliated countries, having won eight of the ten World Championships held since 1963 and are currently number one in World ranking's. Whilst studying the sport of netball and its connection the schools syllabus, my focus was drawn toward Context Area A: Learning Physical skills, therefore this paper will address the relationship Netball has with skill acquisition, the psychology of learning physical skills and the biomechanical bases of learning physical skills.
             Skill learning is a process that involves both time and practice. As you move from the stage of a beginner to a highly skilled performer, there are three distinct stages through which you pass: the cognitive stage, the associative stage and the autonomous stage. The Cognitive stage of learning is where the beginner it categorised. Their knowledge is minimal and they rely heavily on encouragement and feedback. In netball a cognitive performer is someone who would have difficulty catching and passing, as well as having problems with interpretations of rules. The coach needs to be understanding of the cognitive performer and be prepared to break down phases of skills into sequenced movements. For example, with passing, explanations as to why you should lead with your front foot and push from your chest need to be outlined so the cognitive performer can interpret and understand the skill they are performing.