Discussion on Physical Literacy: Fundamental Movement Skills
Introduction
• Physical literacy is the ability to move with competence and confidence in a wide
variety of physical activities that benefit the healthy development of the whole
person. It is a critical foundation for engaging in sports, recreational activities, and
leading an active lifestyle.
• Fundamental movement skills (FMS) are the building blocks of physical literacy.
These skills include basic motor patterns such as running, jumping, throwing,
catching, balancing, and more. Mastery of these skills is essential for participating
in more complex activities and sports.
Categories of Fundamental Movement Skills Fundamental movement skills can be
categorized into three main types: locomotor, stability, and manipulative skills.
1. Locomotor Skills
o Definition: Locomotor skills involve moving the body from one place to
another.
o Key Skills:
▪ Running: The ability to move rapidly on foot, which is essential for
most sports and physical activities.
▪ Jumping: Moving the body upward from the ground using the legs,
important for activities like basketball, gymnastics, and track events.
▪ Hopping: Moving by jumping on one foot, a precursor to more
complex movements like leaping and skipping.
▪ Skipping and Galloping: Rhythmic movements that involve
alternating steps and hops, important for coordination and rhythm.
2. Stability Skills
o Definition: Stability skills involve maintaining control of the body in various
positions and during movement.
o Key Skills:
▪ Balancing: The ability to maintain equilibrium while stationary (static
balance) or moving (dynamic balance). It’s crucial for activities like
gymnastics, dance, and even everyday activities like walking on
uneven surfaces.
▪ Stretching: Extending the body or limbs to their full length, which is
important for flexibility and range of motion.
▪ Twisting and Turning: Rotating the body or parts of the body around
an axis, important for sports like gymnastics, swimming, and martial
arts.
▪ Bending: Moving a joint so that the angle between the bones
decreases, essential for activities that require reaching or lowering the
body.
3. Manipulative Skills
o Definition: Manipulative skills involve controlling objects with the hands,
feet, or other body parts.
o Key Skills:
▪ Throwing: Propelling an object through the air using the arm,
important for sports like baseball, basketball, and handball.
▪ Catching: Receiving and controlling a moving object with the hands, a
fundamental skill in sports like football, cricket, and volleyball.
▪ Kicking: Striking an object with the foot, essential for sports like
soccer and rugby.
▪ Striking: Hitting an object with an implement, such as a bat, racket, or
club, important in sports like tennis, golf, and baseball.
▪ Dribbling: Controlling a ball with the feet, hands, or stick, as in soccer
or basketball.
Importance of Fundamental Movement Skills
1. Building a Foundation for Physical Activity:
o Skill Development: Fundamental movement skills are the basic building
blocks for more complex movements and sports. Without proficiency in
these skills, children may struggle to participate in physical activities and
sports as they grow older.
o Confidence and Competence: Mastery of FMS leads to increased
confidence in one's ability to participate in physical activities. This
confidence is crucial for fostering a lifelong love of movement and exercise.
2. Physical and Cognitive Development:
o Motor Skills: Developing FMS enhances overall motor skills, which are
important for everyday activities, coordination, and overall physical health.
o Cognitive Skills: Engaging in activities that develop FMS also stimulates
cognitive development, including problem-solving, decision-making, and
focus.
3. Social and Emotional Benefits:
o Social Interaction: Participation in group activities and sports that require
FMS helps children develop social skills, such as teamwork, communication,
and leadership.
o Emotional Well-being: Success in physical activities can boost self-esteem
and reduce anxiety, contributing to better emotional health.
Developing Fundamental Movement Skills
1. Early Childhood:
o Play-Based Learning: Young children develop FMS through play. Activities
like running, jumping, and climbing in a playground setting naturally
encourage the development of these skills.
o Structured Activities: Simple games and activities, such as Simon Says or
obstacle courses, can be used to teach FMS in a fun and engaging way.
2. School-Aged Children:
o Physical Education Programs: Schools play a key role in developing FMS
through physical education (PE) classes that focus on teaching and refining
these skills.
o Sport Participation: Involvement in a variety of sports can help children
apply and further develop their FMS in different contexts.
3. Adolescents and Beyond:
o Specialized Training: As children grow, their FMS can be further developed
through more specialized training and sport-specific drills. This is particularly
important for those pursuing competitive sports.
o Lifelong Physical Activity: Even beyond youth, maintaining and refining FMS
is important for participating in recreational activities and maintaining overall
fitness.
Assessing Fundamental Movement Skills
• Observation and Feedback: Coaches, teachers, and parents can assess FMS by
observing how children move in various activities and providing constructive
feedback.
• Skill-Specific Tests: There are standardized tests and assessments designed to
measure proficiency in specific FMS, such as the Test of Gross Motor Development
(TGMD).
Conclusion
• Fundamental movement skills are the foundation of physical literacy and are
essential for engaging in a wide range of physical activities and sports. By
developing these skills early in life, individuals can build the confidence and
competence needed to enjoy an active lifestyle. Whether through play, structured
physical education, or sports, fostering FMS is crucial for the physical, cognitive,
social, and emotional development of children and adolescents.
