However, examining key processes underpinning expertise conducted outside the performance environment have been criticized for not being representative of the inherent complexity within dynamic tasks. Differences between skilled and lesser skilled performers have been found in coordinative movements (i.e., biomechanics Elliott et al., 1993 Stretch et al., 1995, 1998 Taliep et al., 2007 Penn and Spratford, 2012), pattern recognition of opposition kinematics ( Müller et al., 2006 Renshaw et al., 2007 Müller and Abernethy, 2012) and spatio-temporal interceptive abilities ( Weissensteiner et al., 2011).
Cricket batting, as an exemplar dynamic interceptive timing task, involves batters’ facing an opposition bowler and accompanying fielders whose intent is to ‘dismiss’ them for as few runs as possible. Interceptive timing tasks, such as those occurring in fast ball sports, are commonly utilized as effective task vehicles in laboratory settings. Measuring expertise in dynamic performance environments presents a complex challenge for researchers. Testing environments, therefore, must contain key information that enables fidelity in the actions, cognitions and emotions of the performer attempting to achieve a specific performance goal ( Pinder et al., 2011b Seifert et al., 2013). As such, skilful behavior can be viewed as the resultant product of an individual’s adaptive actions, cognitions and emotions to the evolving (i.e., dynamic) constraints in their environment.
However, to better understand skilful behavior in more dynamic environments, there have been calls to progress toward methodological approaches that are more representative of the performance environment ( Abernethy et al., 1994 Renshaw and Gorman, 2015). Earlier experimental work typically followed a more reductionist approach, which allowed for highly standardized and controlled experiments that limited the number of variables influencing behavior ( Hoffman, 1990 Singer, 1990). Unlike being exposed to a novel or unfamiliar stimulus, observing individuals with various levels of skill or prior experience within a sporting task can reveal crucial information about skilful behavior. These results highlight the importance of viewing the emergence of skilled behavior as multi-faceted, rather than simply the acquisition of superior execution and technical proficiency.Īnalyzing skilful behaviors in sport performance has long been of great interest to researchers and practitioners alike. State level batsmen also reported lower levels of nervousness compared with junior level batsmen. Furthermore, the state player’s cognitive evaluations of their own performance differed from junior batters, with more reported strategies based on an external outcome focus, such as where to score runs, rather than a focus on internal processes, such as making technical changes. State level batsmen played more scoring shots and scored more runs, underpinned by superior bat–ball contact and technical efficiency. The actions, cognitions, and emotions of each batsmen were recorded in situ with findings showing differences between state level players and those lesser skilled. The batsmen were tasked with scoring as many runs as possible during a simulated limited-overs game.
Twenty-two male cricket batsmen ( n = 6 state level n = 8 amateur grade club level, n = 8 junior state representative level) participated in a game scenario training session against right arm pace bowlers ( n = 6 amateur senior club).
The aim of this study was to explore the emergence of skilled behaviors, in the form of actions, cognitions and emotions, between professional state level cricket batters and their lesser skilled counterparts.