Skilful Performance
A skilful or model performer will be at the autonomous stage of learning and will demonstrate many traits which will not be evident in the performance of a performer at the cognitive or associative stage of learning.
The movement patterns of a skilful performer will have better their timing, co-ordination and fluency. The action will be smooth and the subroutines of the skill will be linked together in the correct order and they will start and finish the skill at the right time. A less skilful performer’s movement can often look more awkward or jerky and their timing may be slightly off which can result in a poor contact on the shuttle.
A skilful performer will demonstrate high levels of consistency and make fewer unforced errors. This is because they have learned the necessary skills through muscle memory and their muscles are used to performing the movements required for execution of the skill.
A skilful performer will make correct decisions in most situations, even when under pressure. They will make decisions and perform skills quicker. This is because they will have experienced certain situations before and will recognise situations and make decisions quicker. Also, if a performer is at the autonomous stage of learning, they will be able to perform the skill without thinking, or concentrating on technique. This allows them to focus more on other aspects, such as the position of their opponent on the court, which helps them make correct decisions more effectively. A performer at the cognitive or associative stage may be concentrating more on their technique when playing a shot, meaning they will not be paying as much attention to other aspects such as their opponent’s position on court.
A skilful performer will have high confidence levels and will take calculated risks at appropriate times. They will not be afraid to play difficult shots when required. This means they can perform a broad repertoire of skills in a variety of performance contexts. They can use power and touch shots to outmanoeuvre opponents during rallies and will aim for very precise target areas of the court to create and use space effectively. A less skilful performer may not have the confidence to play more difficult shots, for example a drop shot from the back court and will opt for easier, more safe shots, reducing their options and making their game easier to read.
A skilful performer will use the minimum amount of effort necessary to perform a skill. This means no energy is wasted and all the energy used goes into achieving the objective successfully. A skilful badminton player can generate power in an overhead clear or smash through sound technique, good transfer of weight and contact on the shuttle. A less skilful player who cannot generate power as efficiently through effective technique may try to use more brute force and waste energy unnecessarily. A skilful performer has graceful movement patterns and will also show economy of effort through quick, effective footwork when moving around the court, whereas a less skilful player may be scrambling at times trying to reach the shuttle and again wasting energy and showing less economy of effort, causing them to tire in longer rallies.
