AN ANALYSIS OF A DISCRETE COMPLEX SKILL USING BERNSTEIN'S STAGES OF LEARNING

Abstract

Examined changes in coordination after practicing a racquetball forehand drive serve. 10 novice women (aged 21–49 yrs) were videotaped before and after 10 min of practicing a racquetball forehand drive serve on Day 1, and after 10 min practice sessions on consecutive Days 2–5. The PEAK5 Motion Measurement System was used to evaluate the following dependent variables: (1) range of motion of the wrist, elbow, upper torso, and pelvis from backswing to ball contact; (2) racket head velocity at ball contact; and (3) coordination. Coordination was evaluated based on analysis of the angular velocity graphs of each performance to assess sequencing and timing of the segmental contributions. Shared positive contribution was assessed between adjacent 2-segment combinations: pelvis–torso and elbow–wrist. A repeated-measures ANOVA indicated racket velocity, pelvic rotation, and upper torso rotation significantly increased over the 5 days of practice. Although the Ss increased their pelvic and torso ranges of motion and racket velocity, improvement in coordination was not documented. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)