Lesson
Associative Phase - What to Expect
– The focus of the ASSOCIATIVE or INTERMEDIATE phase of skill learning is
REFINEMENT
– The coach’s role is mainly planning and implementing effective practice conditions
and providing feedback for skill enhancement
– The motor program is developed further, as the player gradually eliminates
extraneous movements and makes fewer, less gross, errors
– Movements become more automated
– Less attention is allocated to physical execution of skill, that attention can be
devoted to aspects such as environment; planning strategy
– Visual control of movement is replaced by proprioceptive CONTROL (“feel”).
Such cues were available during early learning phases, but much practice is
required before feel of movement can be associated with the outcomes produced
– Visual search pattern strategies – what is monitored in the environment – change