Creating adaptive athletes: the athletic skills model for enhancing physical literacy as a foundation for expertise

Abstract

The purpose of the current paper is to advocate that the athletic skills model (ASM) serves as a suitable framework to structure (developmental) movement programs to enhance physical literacy as a foundation for expertise. Taking the non-linear developmental trajectories into account (including the possibility to follow the linear developmental pathway), the ASM applies three “roads” to reach this goal, that is, the concentric approach, creating challenging environments, and exploiting transfer. Each of these separately or in combination with each other will increase the level of physical literacy, that is creating more functional variation leading to an increasement of possibilities for adaptation of those involved (athletes, PE teachers, and coaches). ASM seeks a life-long physical activity participation and to maintain a balance between performance, fitness and health for the recreational as well for the disable and able (elite) athlete.

Physical Literacy - A Journey of Individual Enrichment: An Ecological Dynamics Rationale for Enhancing Performance and Physical Activity in All

“…Here, the central argument is that individuals become skillful by being exposed to a mix of non-specific and specific experiences, which support more functional capacities for later specialization in a specific target sport ( Güllich, 2017 ). Integrating the key concepts of the ASM and the Ecological Dynamics approach to motor learning, thereby avoiding the consequences of early specialization, it is proposed that Donor Sports can enrich foundational skill development, relevant for later performance in a target sport ( Savelsbergh and Wormhoudt, 2019 ). Opportunities to acquire relevant, athletic skills and abilities, such as balance, body awareness, coordination, reaction speed, strength and turning ability, can be “ donated ” through an affordance landscape shared between an athlete’s main target sport and donor sport activity ( Strafford et al, 2018 ).…”

“…Being competent in a broad range of movement skills is essential to promote enjoyment of, and engagement in, a range of different sports, physical activity and exercises in order to sustain healthy and active lifestyles across the lifespan ( Robinson et al, 2015 ). Thus, the learning of movement skills which can enhance children’s functionality (i.e., capacity to participate meaningfully) in play, games and activities can: (i) contribute to positive trajectories of physical, mental and socio-emotional health throughout childhood ( Robinson et al, 2015 ) and (ii) underpin the acquisition of skills and expertise needed by athletes to perform at a high level in sports ( Savelsbergh and Wormhoudt, 2019 ) (iii) support all individuals at any stage of the life course in participation in sport, physical activity and exercise at a recreational level ( Hulteen et al, 2018 ).…”

Season Suspension and Summer Extension: Unique Opportunity for Professional Team-Sport Athletes and Support Staff During and Following the COVID-19 Crisis

“…Given the positive impact of “physical literacy” (i.e., teaching fundamental motor skills) on lowering the risk of sports-related injuries, improving sports performance, and serving as a foundation for expertise and improve the overall quality of life in both athletes and non-athletes (Roetert et al, 2018 ; Savelsbergh and Wormhoudt, 2018 ), this concept can be (r)emphasized during our current crisis to enrich the quality of our own lives as well as those around us (Roetert et al, 2018 ). For instance, athletes may use social media platforms to demonstrate their new skills to the world and compete with others (e.g., their teammates) (Zwolski et al, 2017 ).…”

Applying a Multilayer Construct of Social Adaptability Skills Within Talent Development

“…At a general level, SAS includes creative adaptations to coaches' expectations, coaching styles, coaches, and teammates from diverse cultural backgrounds, career transitions, geographical constraints, and being away from family. An appropriate ratio between "stability" (i.e., persistent behaviors), and "flexibility" (i.e., variable behaviors) might be consistent here inspiring from motoric behavior (e.g., Savelsbergh and Wormhoudt, 2019). The particularity of adaptability is the capacity for this ratio also to be varied (i.e., produce behavior that is stable or flexible as needed), as suggested by the example of a talented American player who joined a European team and was forced to adapt to the new environment.…”