Motor Learning and Control for Practitioners

With an array of critical and engaging pedagogical features, the sixth edition of Motor Learning and Control for Practitioners continues to offer the best practical introduction to motor learning available. This reader-friendly text approaches motor learning in accessible and simple terms and lays a theoretical foundation for assessing performance; providing effective instruction; and designing practice, rehabilitation, and training experiences that promote skill acquisition. This revised edition takes a closer look at the ecological dynamics theory and how it informs practitioners' use of the Constraints-Led Approach as a pedagogical framework for designing practice experiences that facilitate skill acquisition. Features such as Exploration Activities and Cerebral Challenges involve students at every stage, while a broad range of examples helps readers put theory into practice. The book also provides access to a fully updated companion website, which includes laboratory exercises, a test bank, lecture slides and an instructors' manual that sample responses to the cerebral challenges. As a complete resource for teaching an evidence-informed approach to practical motor learning, this is an essential text for undergraduate and post-graduate students, and practitioners who plan to work in the areas of motor learning, motor control, physical education, kinesiology, exercise science, coaching, physical therapy, or dance.

Cheryl A. Coker is a motor learning specialist who draws from her experiences as a teacher, coach, and athlete to assist practitioners in putting theory into practice. She has taught in the fields of physical education, exercise science, and coaching, and most recently in the physical therapy program at Plymouth State University, bringing a broad and interdisciplinary perspective to her work. In addition to Motor Learning and Control for Practitioners, she has authored numerous journal articles and book chapters and has given over 100 presentations throughout the United States and internationally. She is a Research Fellow of the Society of Health and Physical Educators and a Fellow of the North American Society of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sport and Dance Professionals. Coker lives in New Hampshire and enjoys outdoor activities, exploring and travelling.

1. Introduction to Motor Learning and Control 2. Understanding Movement Preparation 3. The Role of Attention, Arousal and Visual Search in Movement Preparation 4. Behavioral Theories of Motor Control 5. Neural Mechanisms: Contributions and Control 6. Stages of Learning 7. Foundations of Effective Instruction and Practice Design 8. Instructional Strategies 9. Optimizing Task Demands and Psychological Strategies for Learning 10. Practice Schedules 11. Diagnosing Errors 12. Correcting Errors Epilogue. Teaching Scenarios