American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance - AAHPERD

 Issue: April 2004

Combining and Sequencing Games Skills
David E. Belka

Abstract:
This article discusses the combination of skills into sequences. Combining skills into usable, challenging, and meaningful sequences is often neglected or under-used in many school and community game programs. Reasons for this under-use are discussed. Combinations of skills build on proficiency in performing separate skills and serve as prerequisites to successful performance in more complex game situations in which attention concentrates on tactics and strategy. When combinations of skills are linked in a sequence, the transitions between the skills may be a vital focus for solidifying two or more previously separate skills into a series.
A model of five categories for sequencing important combinations of skills in various sports is also discussed. Categorizing skill combinations in this manner is useful for the evaluation of skill practice and helps to identify the relationship between prerequisite skills and more advanced skills.

Article category: Teaching