Analysis from a Developmental Perspective:
A Catching Example

Here is a diagram of a youngster attempting to catch a ball. We are going to walk through an analysis of this skill using a developmental perspective.

Skill Analysis

1. Look at Diagram A and B below. List the differences in the skill levels illustrated in Diagrams A and B.
   
   
    
2. Ask yourself if you applying the developmental perspective? Are you applying the "adult model" or "error correction model"?
   1. Among your differences did you list that B caught the ball while A fumbled the catch?
   2. Did you notice that A exhibited the fear reaction?
   3. What causes the fear reaction?
   4. Which is more important to a successful catch at this developmental level – the accuracy of the toss or on the skill of the catcher?
       
3. If you listed that A didn’t catch the ball but B did, then you are applying the error correction model.
   1. The Fear Reaction - A is scared of the ball because A’s been bopped in the nose a few times.
   2. A successful catch at this developmental level is probably more dependent on the accuracy of the toss than on the skill of the catcher
       
4. Look at Diagram A and B again. Does one diagram illustrate a more mature catch than the other?
   1. Look at the position of the hands and arms.
   2. Are there significant differences between the two illustrations?
   3. What does hand/arm position tell you about the child’s developmental level?
       
5. B shows a slightly more mature skill level than A.
   1. Hands held palm up is less mature than hands held palms facing.
   2. Arms held straight out away from body is less mature than elbows slightly bent.
   3. Both catch by trapping ball against chest.

A Sample to Work Out on Your Own

1. Analyze the diagram below from a developmental perspective using the analysis example above to guide your effort.

2. Next, ask yourself how would you apply this analysis to teaching the child to throw?