Knowledge and understanding - Physical factorsFeatures of physical skill

There are different aspects of physical skill and each contributes to overall skill level in either a positive or negative way. Physical skills include:

• technical qualities - timing, rhythm, consistency
• special qualities - imagination, flair, creativity
• quality of performance - accuracy, control, effort, fluency

Technical qualities - Consistency

Consistency is the ability to repeat movements and/or skills over and over again with fluency, control and success.

Positive impact

A golfer with consistency of swing speed and set up will be able to hit a club the same height and distance over and over again. This means they can hit a shot to a green with much more accuracy and allow for a shorter putt, which gives them a chance of a better score at each hole.

A triple jumper with a consistent speed and paced run up will arrive at the take-off board at the same point, meaning the jumper can focus on the first phase hop and not worry about shortening or lengthening the last step. This means the jump is much more fluent, giving them a better chance of jumping further.

Negative impact

A volleyball player with an inconsistent serve will not be able to put the ball into an area of the court that they want to. This will result in either the serve going out or being much more easily received by the opponents. This puts pressure on the serving team early in a point.

A gymnast who has an inconsistent landing from different leaps and rotations will need to take an extra step to regain control, which means they get marked down by the judges. This reduces their chance of winning the competition.