Applying the concept of chunking to tennis

Authors

  • E. Paul Roetert
  • Ronald B Woods
  • Duane Knudson
  • Scott W Brown

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52383/itfcoaching.v27i77.105

Keywords:

Chunking, stages of learning, motor skill performance

Abstract

The goal of this article is to address how three accepted and researched motor learning stages, as well as the concept of mentally chunking information, relate to acquiring and accelerating the learning process in tennis. Stages of learning, the role of playing vs. practicing tennis, and the interaction between biomechanics and motor learning are discussed. Specific coaching tips are provided.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Buszard, T., Reid, M., Farrow, D. & Masters, R. (2013). Implicit motor learning: Designing practice for performance. ITF Coaching and Sport Science Review. 60(21):3-5

Buszard, T., Farrow, D., Reid, M. & Masters, R.S.W. (2014a). Scaling sporting equipment for children promotes implicit processes during performance. Consciousness and Cognition. 30:247-255. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.concog.2014.07.004

Buszard, T., Farrow, D., Reid, M. & Masters, R.S. (2014b). Modifying equipment in early skill development: A tennis perspective. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport. 85(2):218-225. https://doi.org/10.1080/02701367.2014.893054

Buszard, T., Reid, M., Masters, R. & Farrow, D. (2016). Scaling the equipment and play area in children's sport to improve motor skill acquisition: A systematic review. Sports Medicine. 46(6). Chi, M., Glaser, R., & Farr, M.J. (1988). The Nature of Expertise. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates: Hillsdale, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-015-0452-2

Cohen, NR. & Sekuler, R. (2010). Chunking and compound cueing of movement sequences: learning, retention, and transfer. Perceptual Motor Skills. 110:736-50. https://doi.org/10.2466/pms.110.3.736-750

Farrow, D. & Reid, R. (2010). The effect of equipment scaling on the skill acquisition of beginning tennis players. Journal of Sports Sciences, 28:7, 723-732. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640411003770238

Fitts P.M. & Posner M.I. (1967). Human performance. Brooks/ Cole Pub. Co: Belmont, CA

Groppel J.L., Loehr, J.E., Melville, D.S. & Quinn, A.M. (1989). Science of coaching tennis. Leisure Press: Champaign, IL.

Kachel, K., Buszard, T. & Reid, R. (2014): The effect of ball compression on the match-play characteristics of elite junior tennis players. Journal of Sports Sciences. 33(3):1-7. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2014.942683

Knudson D. (2006). Biomechanical principles of tennis technique.Racquet Tech Publishing. Vista, CA.

Knudson D.V. (2013). Qualitative diagnosis of human movement. 3rd ed. Human Kinetics: Champaign, IL. https://doi.org/10.5040/9781492596790

Kovalchik, S.A. and Reid, M. (2017). Comparing match play characteristics and physical demands of junior and professional tennis athletes in the era of big data. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine. 16, 489-497.

Krause, L., Farrow, D., Buszard, T., Pinder, R. & Reid, M. (2018). Application of representative learning design for assessment of common practice tasks in tennis. Psychology of Sport and Exercise. 41. DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2018.11.008. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2018.11.008

Martens R. (2012). Successful Coaching. 4th ed. Human Kinetics: Champaign, IL.

Renshaw I., Chow, J.Y., Davids, K.W. & Hammond, J (2010). A constraints-led perspective to understanding skill acquisition and game play: A basis for integration of motor learning theory and physical education praxis? Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy 15:117-137. https://doi.org/10.1080/17408980902791586

Roetert E.P., Ellenbecker T.S. & Reid M. (2009a). Biomechanics of the tennis serve: Implications for strength training. Strength and Conditioning Journal. 31(4): 35-40. https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0b013e3181af65e1

Roetert E.P., Kovacs, M., Knudson, D. & Groppel, J.L. (2009b). Biomechanics of the tennis groundstrokes: Implications for strength training. Strength and Conditioning Journal. 31(4): 41-48. https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0b013e3181aff0c3

Roetert, E.P., Kovacs, M. & Crespo, M. & (2009). Talent development in tennis - Speaking the language. ITF Coaching and Sport Science Review. 16(49):2-4.

Schmidt, R. A. and T. D. Lee (1999). Motor control and learning: A behavioral emphasis. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Taylor, J. A., & Ivry, R. B. (2012). The role of strategies in motor learning. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1251, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-6632.2011.06430.x

Tenison, C. & Anderson, J.R. (2016). Modeling the distinct phases of skill acquisition. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition. 42(5):749-767. https://doi.org/10.1037/xlm0000204

Vernon, G., Farrow, D. & Reid M. (2018). Returning serve in tennis: A qualitative examination of the interaction of anticipatory information sources used by professional tennis players. Frontiers in Psychology. 9:895. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00895

Whitehead, A.E., Taylor, J.A. & Polman, R.C.J. (2016). Evidence for skill level differences in the thought processes of golfers during high and low pressure situations. Frontiers in Psychology. January. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01974.

Woods R. & Fernandez, M.J. (2001). Finding the best learningstyle. In P. Roetert and J. Groppel (Eds) World-Class Tennis Technique (p. 3-17) Human Kinetics: Champaign, IL.

Wulf G. (2007). Attention and Motor Skill Learning. Human Kinetics: Champaign, IL. https://doi.org/10.5040/9781492596844

Wulf G. (2013). Attentional focus and motor learning: A review of 15 years. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology. 6(1): 77-104. https://doi.org/10.1080/1750984X.2012.723728

Wulf, G., Shea, C.H. & Lewthwaite, R. (2010). Motor skill learning and performance: A review of influential factors. Medical Education. 44(1):75-84. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2923.2009.03421.x

Published

2019-04-30

How to Cite

Roetert, E. P., Woods, R. B., Knudson, D., & Brown, S. W. (2019). Applying the concept of chunking to tennis. ITF Coaching & Sport Science Review, 27(77), 10–15. https://doi.org/10.52383/itfcoaching.v27i77.105

Issue

Section

Articles