Skill is the ability to do something well after practicing and training. There are two ways to define skill: one is based on getting specific results quickly and easily (Knapp, 1963), while the other is based on how your brain works when you do something well (Dreyfus & Dreyfus, 1986). When we talk about skill in sports, it means being able to do a specific task really well, even when you’re tired or under pressure. Sports skills are things you can learn and get better at with practice (Breivik, 2016). When you learn one skill, it can help or hinder learning another skill (Gopher et al., 1994) This is called positive or negative transfer.
Breivik, G. (2016). The role of skill in sport. Sport, Ethics and Philosophy, 10, 222236.
Dreyfus, H. L., & Dreyfus, S. E. (1986). Mind over machine: The power of human intuition and expertise in the era of the computer. New York, NY: Free Press.
Gopher, D., Well, M., & Bareket, T. (1994). Transfer of skill from a computer game trainer to flight. Human Factors, 36, 387405.
Knapp, B. (1963). Skill in sport: The attainment of proficiency. London: Routledge.
