The Cambridge Dictionary refers to skill as:
“An ability to do an activity or job well, especially because you have practiced it.”
1. Running is one such activity that has a limited amount of skill.
But not track and field. As track and field require throwing, running, and jumping and doing one or all three of those together at speed or over longer distance demand an increased level of skill.
Whereas, running on its own is very basic.
Once you have walked and see others going faster in front of you running is something that you soon learn easily.
2.American Football is the most popular team game in the United States, but it is not a skillful game.
And there are many reading this right now gasping because they don’t believe this to be true. But, it is. Because outside of the skill of kicking, punting, throwing, and catching most of the players on a football team either grapple, run, or push. And those skills are very easy to learn.
Although it’s a great game, it’s more a game of tactics and teamwork than of skill.
3.Rugby is growing in popularity around the world especially since it went professional in 1995.
And similarly to American football, it involves a lot of physicality, strength, tactics, and teamwork. Outside of throwing and catching, only the placekicker uses complex skills in the game.
Of course, now and then, a drop kick is attempted which is a more sophisticated skill, but in general, most players are unable or unwilling to attempt this kick between the sticks.
4.Netball allows one bounce of the ball and babies can do that.
But that’s not to say it’s not enjoyable because it is. The skills of the game are minimal and this allows just about anyone to partake in the game. However, those that are taller do have an advantage over others.
Yet, being tall is not a sign of sheer skill either.
Although the physical movements with the ball are simple it’s important to do them inside three seconds which demands that teamwork and awareness of others are strong in players of the game.
5.Horse Racing is a sport where a genetically superior horse carries a jockey who holds on for dear life.
And there’s no proof to know if the horse realizes if they’re even good at carrying one jockey over another. Okay, for sure, the jockey has to have skill in staying on the horse and being able to maintain this consistently throughout the race.
But the horse just runs according to what they feel is their natural ability.
And they don’t understand what the importance of being the best means to those who are betting on each race.
6.Olympic Handball is a team sport in which two teams of seven players pass a ball using their hands with the aim of throwing it into the goal of the other team.
And that’s not too difficult. Even a toddler throws things and when they see a ball they usually get excited to roll it, pick it up, and throw it at something. By the time they see another person looking at them, they’ll try their best to chuck it to that person too.
So looking at teammates or seeking out teammates that are moving and looking at you is not so hard, especially at a lower game pace.
7.Race Walking is about putting one leg after another faster than those around you.
And once that baby crawls they’ll be eager to get their feet flat on the ground and walk. With that in mind, it’s not a hard skill to master. Rather, being a great race walker is about learning the technique of walking over a longer distance. Concentration and fitness are huge elements, but once learnt and done consistently it’s not too hard to do when you start off.
And even years later the skill level is low but the mental endurance is high.
8.Weightlifting is about bending your body and lifting a heavyweight up.
And there’s nothing much more to it than that. Of course, it’s not simple. After all, it takes grit, strength, and determination. And discipline and hard work are the bedrock of this mentality. Not to mention adopting a good diet.
But that’s not using a huge range of skills either.
9.Rowing involves sitting in one spot and pushing and pulling faster than other rowing teams or individuals around you.
And it’s not easy.
But by doing it well you’ll get faster and go further and become a better teammate if it’s a team row also.
Is it difficult to move in this way? No, it’s not, but better rowers have a better technique which is more about consistency and awareness than skill.
10.Fishing involves sitting or standing with a rod in your hand and having patience.
And that’s to be admired.
Because most people don’t have that mental ability. But it takes little physical skill other than holding the rod in place.
Of course, casting off requires skill, but the vast majority of the time it’s a waiting game.
I'm no stranger to the world of sports and physical activities. From my experience and knowledge, it's evident that the concept of skill varies across different sports and activities. Let's break down the concepts used in the article to provide a comprehensive understanding:
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Running:
- Limited skill when performed in isolation.
- Becomes more skillful in track and field due to the combination of throwing, running, and jumping, especially when done simultaneously.
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American Football:
- Considered less skillful by the author.
- Emphasizes tactics and teamwork over individual skills, except for specific actions like kicking, punting, throwing, and catching.
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Rugby:
- Growing in popularity globally.
- Involves physicality, strength, tactics, and teamwork.
- Limited complex skills except for placekicking and occasional drop kicks.
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Netball:
- Minimal skills required, allowing almost anyone to participate.
- Taller individuals may have an advantage, but height doesn't necessarily equate to skill.
- Emphasizes quick decision-making and teamwork due to the three-second rule.
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Horse Racing:
- Jockey skill is crucial for staying on the horse.
- The horse relies on natural ability, and there's no indication of understanding the importance of winning.
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Olympic Handball:
- Team sport with minimal difficulty in basic actions like passing and throwing.
- Teamwork and coordination are crucial, especially at a lower game pace.
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Race Walking:
- Focus on putting one leg in front of the other at a faster pace.
- Low skill level but requires learning the technique for walking over longer distances.
- Emphasizes concentration and fitness, with mental endurance playing a significant role.
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Weightlifting:
- Involves bending the body and lifting heavyweights.
- Requires grit, strength, determination, discipline, and hard work.
- Limited in terms of a diverse range of skills.
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Rowing:
- Involves sitting and pushing/pulling faster than opponents.
- Technique, consistency, and awareness are crucial.
- Not inherently difficult, but better technique leads to improved performance.
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Fishing:
- Involves patience and little physical skill.
- Casting off requires skill, but the primary activity is a waiting game.
These insights showcase the nuances of skill within different sports, emphasizing the varying levels of complexity and the importance of teamwork, tactics, and individual techniques in each activity.
