Instructions
- Read through each section carefully. You are taking on the role of a "Movement Detective" to analyze and improve physical skills.
- Complete the activities in each section. Use the examples to help guide your thinking.
- Think about how small changes to the way someone moves (their strategy) can lead to much better results (the outcome).
- Use the "Answer Key" at the end to check your work for Sections 1, 2, and 3.
Section 1: The Movement Detective's Toolkit
To be a great Movement Detective, you need to know the key terms. Match each term on the left with its correct definition on the right.
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Section 2: Case File #1 - The Wobbly Free Throw
Read the scenario below and use your detective skills to figure out how to help Alex improve.
1. Analysis: In the table below, identify one problem with Alex's current strategy. Then, describe how you would manipulate (change) that strategy and predict the improved outcome.
| Part of the Movement | Problem with the Current Strategy | Proposed Manipulation (The Change) | Predicted Improved Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stance / Base of Support | Feet are too close together. | Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. | Improved balance and stability, leading to a more consistent shot. |
| Arm Action / Follow-Through |
2. Demonstration: In the box below, sketch what a good free-throw follow-through looks like. Label two key parts (e.g., "Elbow high," "Fingers pointing at target").
Section 3: Your Turn to Coach
Analyze the two case files below. For each one, identify a key problem, suggest a manipulation, and explain how it will improve the outcome.
Case File #2: The Slicing Soccer Kick
- Problem with Current Strategy:
- Proposed Manipulation (Change):
- Predicted Improved Outcome:
Case File #3: The Dropped Catch
- Problem with Current Strategy:
- Proposed Manipulation (Change):
- Predicted Improved Outcome:
Section 4: Apply It to Your Life
Think of a physical skill you want to improve (e.g., shooting a netball, a dance move, serving in volleyball, or even just throwing a frisbee). Describe your current strategy and one manipulation you could make to improve your outcome.
- Skill I Want to Improve:
- My Current Strategy:
- One Manipulation I Will Try:
- What I Hope the Improved Outcome Will Be:
â Challenge Question â
A swimmer wants to decrease their 50m freestyle lap time. Their coach notices that their kicks are very shallow (not much bend in the knee) and their arms are entering the water flat instead of fingertips first. Describe two movement manipulations the swimmer could make and explain how each one contributes to the overall outcome of a faster time.
Manipulation 1:
How it Improves Outcome:
Manipulation 2:
How it Improves Outcome:
Answer Key
Note: Your own words are great! These are just example answers. For Section 3, other correct answers may be possible.
Section 1: The Movement Detective's Toolkit
- Movement Strategy: C
- Manipulate: D
- Outcome: A
- Biomechanics: B
Section 2: Case File #1 - The Wobbly Free Throw
| Part of the Movement | Problem with the Current Strategy | Proposed Manipulation (The Change) | Predicted Improved Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stance / Base of Support | Feet are too close together. | Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. | Improved balance and stability, leading to a more consistent shot. |
| Arm Action / Follow-Through | Flicking with wrist only, not extending the arm. | Bend knees, push up, and extend the shooting arm fully towards the hoop ("reach into the cookie jar"). | More power generated from the legs and full arm extension, leading to better accuracy and distance. |
Section 3: Your Turn to Coach (Example Answers)
Case File #2: The Slicing Soccer Kick
- Problem with Current Strategy: Kicking with the toes, which provides a small, unpredictable surface area. Running straight at the ball makes it hard to use the correct part of the foot.
- Proposed Manipulation (Change): Approach the ball from a slight angle and kick with the inside of the foot (the instep) for more control and power. Follow through with the kicking leg towards the target.
- Predicted Improved Outcome: The ball will travel straighter and with less unpredictable spin. The larger contact area of the instep will increase accuracy.
Case File #3: The Dropped Catch
- Problem with Current Strategy: Stiff arms and hands don't absorb the force of the ball, causing it to bounce out. Clapping at the ball is a timing-based guess.
- Proposed Manipulation (Change): Get under the ball, create a "basket" with the hands, and watch the ball all the way in. Allow elbows to bend upon impact ("soft hands") to absorb the force of the ball.
- Predicted Improved Outcome: The force will be absorbed, preventing the ball from bouncing out. This will lead to a much higher rate of successful, clean catches.
Challenge Question (Example Answers)
Manipulation 1: Increase the depth and power of the leg kick by bending the knees more and kicking from the hip.
How it Improves Outcome: A stronger kick provides more propulsion through the water, increasing overall speed.
Manipulation 2: Change the hand entry to be fingertips-first, extending the arm forward under the water before starting the "pull" phase.
How it Improves Outcome: This creates a more streamlined profile, reducing drag/resistance from the water. It also lengthens the stroke, allowing the swimmer to pull more water with each arm cycle, increasing efficiency and power.