Introduction
In this assignment you will have the opportunity to apply the model of constraints you have learned throughout the last six weeks to examine how individual, environmental, and task constraints interact in a sports game. Throughout this course you have been asked to identify specific constraints acting on individuals in an isolated action. However, since most actions occur within a context rich with interacting constraints that influence the movements we observe, we will examine the different contexts of a sports game. In soccer for example, let’s review the different contexts. Soccer is a 90-minute game, with 11 players per side; however, time and number of players depend on the age group. Another context is practice versus game. In practice situations, teams might be short sided, or perhaps only one-touch passing is allowed. Practice can last 40 minutes to 2 hours depending on the level (middle school vs. college). Additionally, goals, rules, and equipment may be modified for young children in order to increase the opportunities for players to touch the ball successfully. Task constraints can be progressively modified as players improve or get bigger. One important duty of any physical educator or coach is to systematically assess the ways in which the players, playing environment, and task constraints interact so that changes can be made to improve the learning environment.
Activity Instructions
In order to complete this project you must include the following:
Choose a sport and search on the Internet for at least two videos that show youth players under the age of 15 playing the sport. One of the videos must show practice instead of a game.
Watch the video clips as many times as necessary in order to answer the following questions.
What appear to be the important individual constraints that influence motor behavior in this context? That is, what characteristics of the players in these video clips are most important?
What appear to be the most important environmental constraints that influence motor behavior in this context? Think beyond the most obvious environmental constraints to others that may have an influence.
Use the practice situation video to answer the following: What appear to be the most important task constraints that influence movement?. What appear to be tasks (e.g., goals, rules, equipment) modifications that influence movement outcomes?
Focus on the interactions among individuals, environment, and task. What changes in any of these constraints may result in changes in overall movement?
What modifications could a physical educator or coach make if the individual constraints changed to novice players in first grade? To expert players in college?
At the end of your submission, include a brief Design Statement explaining the process and tools you used to develop your work. Your statement should be about a paragraph or so, in your own words (rather than formally written), and unique to this assignment.
Why are we asking for this? Find out more about Design Statements.
Writing and Submission Requirements
2-3 pages (approx. 300 words per page), not including title page or references page.
The video references must be included on a reference page.
For standard requirements, review the Discussion and Written Assignment Expectations.
For grading details, see the Written Analysis Grading Rubric.
Tips for Success
In order to succeed in this assignment, read instructions carefully to ensure you have all information requested included in your submission. Search for multiple videos prior to choosing the ones you will be using. Review how to cite information with in-text citations. The TU Library has helpful APA Resources. In addition to the use of trusted resources, grammar, punctuation, and spelling matter! Make sure to edit your work prior to submitting.
Remember to include your Design Statement.
The sport chosen for this assignment is tennis. So, please use tennis as a sport for this assignment.