In skill learning and observing the 3 R’s are essential. The 3 R’s are Routine, Repetition and Refinement. Establish a routine, a pattern a set time and place to work on the skill. Repeat the skill and then refine your adaptation of the technical model. The later is important because to often in teaching new skills coaches use a robotic paint by numbers approach that results in mechanical movement. Remember the goal is to give the athlete the ability with the new skill to more effectively and solve movement problems that fall in the domain of that skill. Go from stable predictable activities to unstable, random and chaotic activities. Skillful athletes are not mechanical, they are rhythmic and flowing. Maybe that can’t be taught but it can be encouraged. Design progressions that encourage problem solving and creativity. Allow the athletes to express themselves, encourage them to explore the parameters of the skill, find new ways.
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