Motor Programmes in Sports Performance
What is a Motor Programme?
A motor programme is like a pre-programmed set of instructions stored in our brain that controls how we perform movement patterns. Think of it as a mental recipe book for movements that we've learned and practiced.
Motor programmes are stored in our long-term memory and can be recalled whenever needed, allowing us to perform movements without conscious thought about each individual component.
Key Components of a Motor Programme
1. Executive Program
- Contains the basic pattern of movement
- Determines the order of actions
- Sets the timing of different movement components
2. Subroutines
- Smaller units of movement within the larger program
- Can be modified based on the situation
- Allow for flexibility in movement execution
In a tennis serve:
- Executive Program: The overall serving motion
- Subroutines:
- Ball toss
- Backswing
- Forward swing
- Follow-through
Characteristics of Motor Programmes
- Generalized Nature
- One programme can control similar movements
- Adaptable to different situations
- Can be scaled up or down in size and speed
- Hierarchical Structure
- Organized in levels of complexity
- Higher-level programs control overall movement
- Lower-level programs handle specific details
Think of motor programmes like building blocks - they can be combined and modified to create more complex movements.
How Motor Programmes Work
Storage and Retrieval
- Stored in long-term memory
- Activated when needed
- Become more efficient with practice
Parameters
Motor programmes can be adjusted through:
- Speed of execution
- Force applied
- Size of movement
- Direction of movement
Many people think motor programmes are rigid and unchangeable, but they're actually quite flexible and can be modified based on feedback and experience.
Development of Motor Programmes
- Initial Stage
- Basic movement pattern is learned
- Requires conscious thought
- Often choppy and unrefined
- Refinement Stage
- Programme becomes smoother
- Less conscious control needed
- More consistent execution
- Automation Stage
- Programme runs automatically
- Minimal conscious thought required
- Smooth and efficient execution
When learning a new skill, focus on correct technique first before trying to increase speed or add complexity. This helps establish a proper motor programme from the start.
