Have you got Physical Literacy?

Foundation Knowledge:

What is Physical Literacy?

"Physical literacy is the gateway to functional movement training."

Movement proficiency refers to:

‘the achievement or attainment of a movement goal with maximum 

certainty, minimum energy expenditure, and minimum movement time.’

I would also add minimal chance of injury.

Injury prevention is often overlooked as a component of fitness.

If you want to stay injury-free tomorrow, then you must invest in your practice today.

Can you perform basic functional movements like squatting, lunging and bending without any pain and with good movement quality?

If you can, then let's add some intensity. Can you maintain this good form when you are fatigued?

Still OK? Then let's add some load.


Movement vocabulary

• Awareness
• Selection 
• Sequencing
• Modification

Cognitive components:

• Confidence
• Motivation
• Comprehension (Jump, Hop, Leap- movement Terminology)

Different environments:

Land

Water

Ice/Snow
In the air

Social Environments:

Training on your own

At the Gym / Box
Training Outdoors

Competition

“Physical literacy can be described as the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life.”

(Whitehead, 2010)

What are Physical Literacies?

Just because you have a Gymnastics background, does not mean you will be able to use the same skill set when Power Lifting. The physical literacy is specific to that particular activity.

Physical Literacy is about being competent at a range of athletic activities not just one.

Triathlon is three physical disciplines rolled into one sport.

But why stop at three?

I want to be the best I can at every movement.

This is true physical literacy.

References: 

Kriellaars, D (2011) Physical Literacy. 

Whitehead, M. (2010) Physical Literacy: Throughout the lifecourse. London: Routledge.

www.physicalliteracy.ca/dean-kriellaars

www.physical-literacy.org.uk/resources/