Evidence-based approaches to enhance the learning of fundamental motor skills

Abstract

Australia-wide, every state education curriculum targets the learning of fundamental motor skills (FMS) as an educational objective during the early years of schooling. The core importance of FMS learning is further underscored by the inclusion of this area in the sport skill development programs of most major Australian sports. Despite this school and community focus, evidence from several Australian studies demonstrates that FMS mastery remains elusive for many children, and for some the progress toward mastery may even plateau and start to decline near the end of childhood.