Coincidence timing of a tennis stroke: effects of age, skill level, gender, stimulus velocity, and attention demand.
Participants (N = 162, ages 10-15 years) performed a tennis stroke in a coincidence-timing task. Major results were: (a) performance improved mainly between the ages of 10-13 years; (b) skill differences were reflected by variable error (VE); (c) boys were lower than girls for VE and absolute error; (d) high stimulus velocity was related to low VE and late responding. Results concerning response organization favored explanations based on ecological perspectives rather than information processingperspectives. However, it is premature to disregard the potential role of programming. The view is supported that a continuous process of coupling perceptual and motor responses coordinates control of response timing. These cognitive processes appear to be: (a) refined with practice; (b) sensitive to differences in age, skill, and gender; and (c) adaptable to changes in environmental demands.
Les
Williams R T
WR
School of Physical Education at the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. lrtwill@ihug.co.nz
Katene
Will H
WH
Fleming
Kirsty
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology; D011930:Reaction Time; D012737:Sex Factors; D013715:Tennis / Q000502:physiology*