QUALITY OF PERFORMANCE
CONTROL (very similar to Touch)
Definition
The ability to manage yourself or a moving object. E.G. Ball/racquet/stick etc.
Impact on Performance
In sport there are two types of object control.
Propulsive – sending an object away (e.g. throwing, kicking, striking, batting)
Receptive – receiving an object (e.g. catching, dribbling a ball, receiving a shuttlecock)
Propulsive skills are easier because you are in control of the object that you send away. In contrast, receptive skills require perceptual and coordination skills to move one’s body into position to receive the oncoming object.
You must also have control of your body, this is important in all sports where balance is important and to have a strong base from which to execute skills from. It is especially important in Gymnastics where control is a key element of performance.
Having a high level of control will allow you to execute both simple and complex skills to a high level. This will in turn allow your performances to look more fluent and will allow you to develop a good repertoire of skills. Any model performer in an activity will display a high level of both object and body control.
Having a low level of control will have a major impact on performance as you are unlikely to be able to perform skills to a high level. Your performance will not look fluent as you will lack the necessary control. Novice performers will have a lack of control in their performance.
Control
