St. Mary's Physical Literacy

What is Physical Literacy?

Here in St. Mary's we develop our physical literacy by focusing on one key Fundamental Movement Skill (listed below) a month. Each skill has a number of steps to practice. When we are able to do the skill with all the steps we will have mastered the skill and will become a _______ master e.g. Landing Master!

NOVEMBER'S FOCUS SKILL - LANDING

Why is landing an important skill to learn?

By developing our ability at absorbing force while landing we can reduce the impact of a fall or jump and lower the risk of injury. 

Whether it is jumping to catch a ball in Gaelic Football, vaulting in gymnastics, jumping from a branch on a tree or jumping to header a ball in soccer it is essential that everybody learns how to land in a safe way. 

Press on the tabs to find out the Master Landers Tips

Practice Makes Perfect!

I know it is very wet out so how about practicing your landing skill inside instead. Try practicing 10 landings and then teaching a family member at home.

Remember:

*head up, stable and eyes looking straight ahead

*arms should be stretched out in front to maintain balance

*stomach should be pulled in and bum tucked under the body

*land with the feet wide apart but still in a stable position

*bend the knees

*land on the feet in the order toes-ball-heel

DECEMBER'S FOCUS SKILL - BALANCING

Why is balancing an important skill to learn?

Balance is the ability to hold your body upright and steady without falling down!

Balance and coordination work hand in hand. Balance is the ability to maintain a controlled body position while performing tasks or activities. We need the ability to maintain controlled positions during both static (still) and dynamic (moving) activities.

Static Balance is being able to hold a certain position without moving.

Dynamic Balance is the ability to remain balanced while engaged in movement.

By developing our ability at balancing we can absorb an impact of a fall or jump and lower the risk of injury. 

Press on the tabs to find out the Master Balancer Tips

Practice Makes Perfect!

 Try practicing 10 balances and then teaching a family member at home.

Remember:

*standing leg still, with foot flat on the ground

*trunk stable and upright

*non-standing leg bent and not touching the support leg

*head stable with eyes focused forward on a target

*arms as still as possible with no excessive movement - either at the side or extended to aid the balance