Gentile's Taxonomy Of Motor Skills: A Fun Guide To Understanding And Improving Your Movement
Introduction
Have you ever wondered how athletes and performers are able to execute complex movements with ease? Or how a baby learns to walk and talk? The answer lies in Gentile's Taxonomy of Motor Skills. Developed by Dr. Ada F. Gentile in 1972, this taxonomy breaks down motor skills into categories based on the nature of the skill and the performer's stage of learning. In this article, we'll take a closer look at Gentile's Taxonomy, its applications, and how it can help you improve your own movement skills.The Basics of Gentile's Taxonomy
Gentile's Taxonomy is based on two main factors: the nature of the skill and the stage of learning. The nature of the skill is divided into two categories: open and closed skills. Open skills are those performed in an unpredictable environment, such as playing a sport where you have to react to the movements of other players. Closed skills are those performed in a predictable environment, such as practicing a dance routine in a studio. The stage of learning is divided into two categories as well: the initial stage and the later stage. In the initial stage, the performer is learning the basic mechanics of the movement. In the later stage, the performer is refining their technique and focusing on performance outcomes.Applications of Gentile's Taxonomy
Gentile's Taxonomy has numerous applications in sports, performing arts, and rehabilitation. By understanding the nature of the skill and the performer's stage of learning, coaches, trainers, and therapists can tailor their instruction and practice to maximize skill development. For example, if an athlete is struggling with a complex open skill like reading the movements of their opponent in a game, a coach might use drills that simulate game situations to help the athlete improve their reaction time and decision-making.Examples of Open and Closed Skills
To better understand the difference between open and closed skills, let's look at some examples:| Open Skills | Closed Skills |
|---|---|
| Playing basketball in a game | Practicing free throws |
| Performing in a play with other actors | Practicing lines alone |
| Driving a car in traffic | Driving a car in an empty parking lot |
Examples of Initial and Later Stages of Learning
Let's also look at examples of the initial and later stages of learning for a few skills:| Initial Stage | Later Stage |
|---|---|
| Learning to ride a bike | Performing tricks on a bike |
| Learning to play a guitar chord | Playing a complex song on the guitar |
| Learning to swim | Competing in a swim meet |
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