Browsing by Author "Lyoka, Philemon A."

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    The identification of the distinguishing perceptual-motor characteristics of top-level sport performers
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2001-12) Lyoka, Philemon A.; Bressan, E. S.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Sport Science.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to identify the perceptual-motor performance characteristics that distinguish top-level basketball performers from "the rest". Previous research has focused on comparing novices with skilled players in performing different tasks in laboratory settings. The current study was based on a paradigm shift in research that is focused on the study of expertise in applied contexts. A qualitative approach was used in which six expert basketball coaches participated in long interviews. They had all been basketball players before they became coaches. All had been coaching for more than 10 years. One coach was from Africa, one from Europe and four from the United States. Inductive content analysis of verbatim transcriptions was used to generate themes. Quotes from the interviews formed the basic unit of analysis. The emerging themes, higher order themes and categories related to perception, decision-making and motor performance were used to answer research questions. Results of the analysis identified the following characteristics: • Visual memory, visual anticipation, speed of visual search and peripheral vision. • Memory, anticipation and cognitive knowledge, i.e. rules of the game and applied knowledge. • The ability to exchange in deliberate practice for a sustained number of years.