Multi-limb coordination-4
Control Precision-3
Response Orientation-5
Reaction Time-5
Rate control-4
Manual Dexterity-2
Finger Dexterity-5
Arm-hand steadiness-3
Wrist-finger speed-5
Aiming-2
Explosive Strength-4
Static Strength-2
Dynamic Strength-3
Trunk Strength-4
Extent flexibility-4
Dynamic Flexibility-3
Gross body equilibrium-3
Balance with visual cues-4
Speed of limb movement-5
Gross body coordination-3
Stamina-4
Movement rate-5
Motor timing-4
Perceptual timing-2
Force control-4
5 Skills I can perform with a high level of proficiency:
1. Soccer penalty kick
2. Typing on a keyboard
3. Threading a needle
4. Balancing on a ropes course
5. Playing air-hockey
Ideal Ability Profile for Playing Air-hockey:
-reaction time
-rate control
-arm-hand steadiness
-aiming
-motor timing
-force control
Discussion:
I think there are a number of ways that a person who is not naturally skilled at playing air-hockey can improve their performance. One of the most important factors needed in order to be good at air hockey is reaction time. The puck moves very quickly across the playing surface and a player needs to be able to react quickly to deflect shots and prevent goals. However, some players may not have a good reaction time, so in order to compensate for this, they should work on accurately anticipating where they think the puck might go based on body positioning and arm speed of their opponent. If the player is able to predict where the puck is going to travel, they won't have to react as quickly to get there. Another area an air-hockey player needs to be good at is aiming. The slot the puck can slide into is very small and the puck is moving so quickly that it can be difficult to aim for that tiny opening. This is an area that I am not very good at and I ranked myself as a "2" in that category, especially under conditions where quick choices and speed are necessary along with accuracy. In order to compensate for a lack of natural ability in this area, I instead use force control. If the puck is sometimes moving very forcefully towards the goal and sometimes bouncing around more slowly, if is difficult for the other player to determine what type of shot is coming next. They are unlikely to be able to guard their goal against every different type of shot so even if your aim isn't perfect, you can still distract your opponent and score on some of the less accurate shots.
