Young Champions

YC ZONE Movement Skill Profile The movement skill profile consists of the following movement skills.

Balance
Walk
Run
Sprint
Slide
Skip
Hop
Jump
Throw
Catch
Kick
Strike

(Click on a skill to receive more information)

Balance - having and maintaining equilibrium.

Benefits of Balance: Balance is arguably the most important of all movement skills. Balance is an indicator of mobility and stability along with other basic neurological functions. Improving and maintaining balance is vital to many fitness activities and sport.

There are two types of balance that YC ZONE will evaluate

Static balance - balance while maintaining in a stationary position.

Dynamic balance - balance while traveling through another movement skill pattern - such as maintaining balance while throwing

Top of Page

Walk - traveling forward while in a standing position. One foot remains on the ground while the other is off the ground.

Benefits of Walking: It is primary to all traveling skills. It is the most universal form of exercise.

Top of Page

Run - traveling forward with a phase in which both feet are off of the ground. YC ZONE definition of running is equivalent to jogging. Mechanics of running and sprinting are different in practical application.

Benefits of Running: Running is a primary movement activity and one of the most popular forms of exercise. Benefits range from improved cardio-respiratory function to improved mental functioning.

Sprint -to run at maximum velocity or top end speed. Mechanics necessary in order to reach maximum velocity are different from running.

Benefits of Sprinting: Sprinting places a high demand on the neurological system, which in turn elicits a profound training response.

Top of Page

Slide - a step and run combination. It is the most effective skill for rapid, lateral movements.

Benefits of Sliding: Many physical activities require sliding. Dance, individual and team sports require this skill.

Top of Page

Jump - occurs when an individual pushes off the ground or an apparatus into a brief period of flight. Jumping can be performed vertically or horizontally.

Benefits of Jumping: increased awareness of the nervous system; preparation for a number of games, dance, and other movement activities. Proper landing mechanics will assist in avoiding injury.

Top of Page

Hop - taking off and landing on the same foot. Hopping is a continuous and asymmetric skill. Hopping requires greater leg strength and balance than is required for jumping as only one foot is required to lift the body. A smaller base of support is required when compared to jumping.

Benefits of Hopping: This is an important skill for safe body control and management. Hopping assists in developing coordinative effort on the right and left side of the body.

Top of Page

Skip - a combination of a step and a hop, first on one foot then on the other foot.

Benefits of Skipping: Neurological system development. Basic games and dances.

Top of Page

Throw - involves releasing an object and sending it forcefully with the hands.

Benefits of Throwing: The overhand or over arm throw is an important manipulative skill for future fitness and sport participation. It is a basic movement pattern in baseball, softball, basketball, and football. A similar pattern is used to throw the javelin and to serve in tennis and volleyball.

Top of Page

Catch - the receiving and controlling of an object by the body or the hands.

Benefits of Catching: Self esteem can be built if a child can catch properly. Catching is also a vital component of many activities and sports.

Top of Page

Kick - imparting force to an object with the foot. The movement requires body control, point of contact, force, and proper direction. In order to advance in the skill, accuracy is required.

Benefits of Kicking: Improves coordination in the lower body.

Top of Page

Strike - involves swinging at and hitting an object. The forms of striking are accomplished by hitting the object with; 1.) An implement using two hands, 2.) An implement using one hand, 3.) A part of the body.

Top of Page

* YC ZONE utilizes the two hand strike in evaluation.

Benefits of Striking: Development of Eye Hand coordination and vision tracking are major benefits of striking.

While this list is not inclusive of all movement skills, YC ZONE believes it reflects the 12 major skills. Learning to perform these 12 skills correctly will enable any person to participate and have fun in various fitness and physical education activities. In addition these 12 skills are the precursors for all of sport. Students can learn to be physically competent, and will have a greater appreciation of physical fitness, if they possess the capability of properly executing these foundational movement skills.