Introduction

Relevance of the Theme

Precision Sports: A category of sports activities that demand precision, concentration, and coordination skills. It is an essential topic in the Physical Education curriculum as it fosters the cognitive and motor development of students. Precision sports are a perfect blend of mental strategy and physical action, creating a unique fusion of mind and body.

Contextualization

Precision Sports, one of the major subcategories of individual sports, are fundamental in 7th-grade Physical Education, as they delve into concepts beyond the mere motor aspect of movement. They encourage a more tactical approach to sports, introducing students to the importance of control, focus, and decision-making.

• They differ from team sports where interaction with other players and quick changes of direction are more prevalent. In precision sports, the focus is on hitting the target with the highest possible accuracy, which requires a more precise control of movements.
• These sports can also serve as a link between Physical Education and other academic areas, enabling discussions on geometry, physics, strategy, among others. Therefore, their study is an important point for students' educational development.

Theoretical Development

Components of Precision Sports

Target: Designated point or area that players aim to hit or reach with precision. It can vary in size, shape, and distance. The target is the central element of these sports, forcing players to calculate distances and angles.

• Example: In archery, the target is the board with different colored circles. The goal is to hit the highest scoring area.

Projectile: Object that is thrown, tossed, or kicked and must hit the target. It can range from a stone to a disc or ball.

• Example: In darts, the projectile is the dart itself, which must be thrown to hit the target.

Movement Mechanics: Correct understanding and application of movement techniques to achieve the desired precision.

• Example: In golf, the mechanics of the club swing are crucial to hit the ball with the right force and direction.

Strategy: Game plans or tactics used to overcome the opponent and hit the target efficiently.

• Example: In billiards, the strategy involves not only hitting the balls but also positioning the white ball for the next shot.

Rules: Guidelines established to ensure fairness and balance in the game. Varies according to the sport and may include details on scoring, posture, distances, among others.

• Example: In table tennis, the ball must be hit after touching the player's hand to comply with the rules.

Key Terms

Precision: Ability to repeat a movement and hit the desired target consistently. It is the heart of precision sports.

Concentration: Mental state of focused attention. In precision sports, concentration is essential for effectiveness.

Coordination: Ability to combine movements from different parts of the body harmoniously. In precision activities, coordination is necessary to control the projectile's trajectory.

Mental Game: Psychological element of precision sports. Includes emotional control, decision-making, and anticipation of game situations.

Examples and Cases

• Darts: Precision sport that involves throwing small arrows towards a circular target. Players must calculate distances, coordinate movements, and apply the correct throwing technique.

• Archery: Besides requiring physical strength, this sport demands precision, concentration, and strategic mental game. Players must consider wind, distance, and arrow curvature to hit the target.

• Golf: Although strength is important, precision is vital in this sport, where players try to hit a small ball into holes at great distances. Correct swing mechanics, coordination, and strategy are key factors.

• Table Tennis: This fast-paced and reflex-based sport also requires precision. Concentration, coordination of hand movements, and understanding of the rules are fundamental for success.

Detailed Summary

Key Points

• Importance of Precision Sports: Learning and practicing precision sports is an effective and fun way to develop precision, concentration, coordination, and strategy skills.

• Key Components of Precision Sports: Target, projectile, movement mechanics, strategy, and rules are the key components present in precision sports and determine the player's success.

• Key Terms and Skills: Precision, concentration, coordination, and mental game are key terms and important skills that students must understand and develop to excel in precision sports.

• Examples of Precision Sports: Darts, archery, golf, and table tennis are excellent examples of precision sports that illustrate how these components and skills are applied in practice.

Conclusions

• Integral Development: Practicing precision sports not only enhances physical skills but also develops mental and cognitive abilities, making them a valuable complement to Physical Education.

• Mental Game and Strategy: Precision sports are not just about physical execution but also about a tactical and planned approach. They require quick decision-making, anticipation of game situations, and emotional control.

• Interdisciplinary Education: Precision sports have the ability to connect Physical Education with other disciplines, such as Mathematics (calculating distances and angles), Physics (studies of force and trajectory), and Psychology (mental game and concentration).

Suggested Exercises

1. Describe a Precision Sport: Choose a precision sport and describe in detail the key components (target, projectile, movement mechanics, strategy, and rules) and the skills (precision, concentration, coordination, and mental game) necessary to practice it effectively.

2. Compare and Contrast: Choose two precision sports and make a detailed comparison of how each applies the key components and skills we mentioned. Specifically, discuss how the difference in the sport's components influences the skills a player needs to develop.

3. Strategies in Action: Examine a match of a precision sport, such as golf or table tennis, and identify the strategies used by the players. Discuss how these strategies (or lack thereof) influenced the game's outcome.