Interlimb Skill Ability in Motor Skill Performance

Abstract

Abstract Thirty-eight male college freshmen continuously threw a softball at a 4′x4′ target for 30 sec. and also kicked a soccer ball at a 4′x4′ target for the game length of time. The subjects were tested using their preferred and nonpreferred arms and legs. Five of the six correlations, including preferred arm and nonpreferred arm, preferred leg and nonpreferred leg, preferred arm and preferred leg, nonpreferred arm and nonpreferred leg, and preferred arm and nonpreferred leg, were positive, low, but significant. However, when analyzed for generality and specificity factors of performance, the highest generality (29 percent) was obtained when comparing leg performance. There is evidence of strong specificity in limb performance, and thus more support for a specificity theory of learning and performance.