Memory
 All information received from the senses is
stored in the memory.
 During sport we rely on remembered
information to be used in the execution of
an action.
 “A set of storage areas which are places to
put information, plus a set of processes that
act on what is in the stores”
Memory
 Three aspects to memory
 STSS (Short term sensory store)
 STM
(Short term memory)
 LTM
(Long term memory)
Terminology - STSS
 STSS (short term sensory store).
 All information coming in from the display can be stored
here.
 Large capacity.
 Memories lasts half a second or less.
 First compartment of memory
 Sub-conscious
 Information is lost unless attended to immediately.
 Selective attention occurs here- If it is considered useful
the information will be encoded.
Short Term Memory (STM)
 Only information that is attended to is
moved from STSS to STM.
 In sport is important that attention is
maintained whilst performing a skill.
 E.g. Keep your eye on the ball until you
have caught it before attending to the next
skill.
 This information is then stored in the STM
STM
 The capacity is limited (5-9 items).
 Duration is short (30-60 secs) Chunking helps.
 Phone numbers: 0208 762 6321
 Information remains in the STM only as long as it is attended to e.g.
by Rehearsal
 Rehearsal – imagining an action, sub verbal repetition. If attention
directed elsewhere information in the STM is lost within 30 seconds.
 If important enough information can be encoded from here into the
LTM.
 Known as the “working memory" because it relates to what we are
thinking about at any given moment in time.
STM (2)
 Very important in the learning of skills. All information
involved in the learning and performing of skills is
compared to existing information via the STM. (hence
“working memory”).
 DCR process occurs in STM.
 All information that enters the STM is rehearsed and
stored.
 Coaches must be aware of STM characteristics…..why?
LTM
 All Information in the STM is either stored in the
LTM or lost.
 The LTM is a store of well learned past
experiences.
 Almost limitless capacity.
 Duration: very long. Dozens of years.
 New experiences are compared to information
held in the LTM.
 Motor programmes stored in LTM (e.g. how to
swim).
 Using the LTM involves the process of retrieval
of information and passing it into the STM.
LTM Cont….

Retention and retrieval of information from the LTM is
influenced by……….
1.
Rehearsal
– more rehearsal more likely to be remembered.
2.
Meaningfulness
– more meaningful more likely to be remembered.
3.
Speed of learning
– The quicker something is learnt more likely to be
remembered.
4.
Overlearning
– the more a skill is practised, even when perfected the
better it will be remembered.
How to improve memory




Rehearsal
Association
Organisation
Mental Rehearsal – sports visualisation
visualisation mental rehearsal clip
 Chunking
 Chaining – I went to the shops…..
 Give an example of each
 Long term memory – What was on the tray?
What is reaction time?
What is reaction time?
The time taken to make a decision. The time
between the presentation of a stimulus and the
onset of a movement.
Two types of reaction time
1. Simple
2. Choice
Simple Reaction Time
 The time taken to start a single response to
a single stimulus.
 Can you think of a sporting example?
Choice Reaction time
 The time taken between stimulus and
action which requires a choice.
 Can you think of a sporting example?
 How does this differ between a skilled and
novice performer?
Response time
 The time from the stimulus being given to
the end of the response.
Response time = Reaction time + Movement
time.
Movement Time
 The time from when the movement is
initiated to the point when the movement is
completed.
 Give an example in sport?
Sporting example?
 Draw a diagram illustrating a situation
which involves either simple or choice
reaction time. Label the diagram with the
reaction time, response time and movement
time.
What factors affect Reaction Time?
 Age
 Gender
 Fatigue
 Intensity of the stimulus
 Probability of the stimulus occuring
 Presence of a warning signal
Hicks Law
 The more choices that are available increases Reaction
Time.
 What other factors effect Reaction time?