Fundamental Movement Skills: Categories, Importance, and Development in Physical Literacy

What are the fundamental movement skills in physical literacy?

Fundamental movement skills (FMS) are the essential building blocks of physical literacy, encompassing a range of basic motor patterns that, when mastered, enable individuals to participate confidently and competently in a wide variety of physical activities throughout life.

Understanding Physical Literacy

Physical literacy extends beyond mere physical fitness; it is a holistic concept encompassing the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge, and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life. It is akin to literacy in reading and writing, providing the foundational "vocabulary" of movement. At its core, physical literacy empowers individuals to navigate diverse environments and challenges through movement, fostering a lifelong active lifestyle.

Defining Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS)

Fundamental movement skills are a specific set of gross motor skills that involve large muscle groups and form the basis for more complex, specialized movements required in sports, dance, and recreational activities. They are considered "fundamental" because they are the prerequisite for developing proficiency in virtually all physical pursuits. Mastery of FMS in early childhood is critical for developing physical confidence and competence, paving the way for sustained physical activity throughout the lifespan.

FMS are typically categorized into three main groups: locomotor, manipulative (or object control), and stability (or non-locomotor) skills.

Categories of Fundamental Movement Skills

Locomotor Skills

These skills involve moving the body from one point to another. They are essential for navigating space and participating in dynamic activities.

• Running: A coordinated movement involving alternating leg and arm action, with a brief period where both feet are off the ground.
• Jumping: Propelling the body into the air from a two-foot takeoff, landing on two feet. This includes jumping for height, distance, or over obstacles.
• Hopping: Propelling the body into the air from one foot and landing on the same foot.
• Skipping: A combination of a step and a hop on alternating feet, creating a rhythmic, sequential movement.
• Galloping: A forward movement where one foot leads and the other foot chases, never quite catching up, resulting in an uneven rhythm.
• Sliding: A sideways movement where one foot leads and the other foot follows, without crossing over.
• Leaping: A long jump, typically involving a takeoff from one foot and landing on the opposite foot, often covering a greater distance or height than a jump.

Manipulative (Object Control) Skills

These skills involve controlling or manipulating objects, often requiring hand-eye or foot-eye coordination. They are crucial for participation in many sports and games.

• Throwing: Propelling an object into space using a coordinated body action, such as an overhand throw, underhand throw, or sidearm throw.
• Catching: Absorbing the force of an oncoming object with the hands and body, bringing it under control.
• Kicking: Propelling an object with the foot.
• Striking: Hitting an object with an implement (e.g., a bat, racket, stick) or a body part (e.g., open hand).
• Dribbling (Hand): Bouncing a ball repeatedly while moving or stationary, maintaining control with the hands.
• Dribbling (Foot): Propelling a ball with the foot while moving, maintaining control.
• Volleying: Striking an object (typically a ball) with a hand or foot before it hits the ground.

Stability (Non-Locomotor) Skills

These skills involve maintaining balance and control of the body in one place, without significant translation through space. They are foundational for all other movements.

• Balancing: Maintaining equilibrium while stationary or moving, often on one foot or in various positions (e.g., static balance, dynamic balance).
• Bending: Flexing a joint or joints, typically at the waist or knees.
• Stretching: Extending or lengthening a body part or the entire body.
• Twisting: Rotating a body part or the entire body around its longitudinal axis.
• Turning: Rotating the entire body around its vertical axis.
• Swinging: Rhythmic, pendular movement of a body part (e.g., arms, legs) or the entire body.
• Landing: Absorbing impact and regaining balance after a jump, hop, or fall.
• Pushing: Applying force to an object or surface to move it away.
• Pulling: Applying force to an object or surface to move it closer.

Why FMS are Crucial for Physical Literacy

The mastery of fundamental movement skills is not merely about executing specific actions; it underpins an individual's entire physical trajectory.

• Foundation for Specialized Skills: FMS are the prerequisite for learning and excelling in more complex sports and recreational activities. For instance, proficient throwing is foundational for baseball, basketball, and football.
• Enhanced Confidence and Motivation: Individuals who feel competent in their movement abilities are more likely to participate in physical activities, leading to a positive cycle of engagement and skill refinement.
• Reduced Risk of Injury: Proper execution of FMS helps develop efficient movement patterns, strength, and balance, which can significantly reduce the risk of injuries during play, exercise, and daily life.
• Promotes Lifelong Physical Activity: Early mastery of FMS encourages sustained participation in physical activity, fostering habits that contribute to better health outcomes throughout adulthood.
• Cognitive and Social Development: Engaging in FMS development often occurs in social settings, promoting teamwork, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Developing FMS: Practical Applications

Developing FMS is primarily a task for early childhood and elementary school years, though remediation and refinement can occur at any age.

• Play-Based Learning: Children naturally develop FMS through unstructured play. Providing varied environments and equipment encourages exploration and practice.
• Structured Instruction: Qualified physical educators and coaches can provide targeted instruction, breaking down skills into manageable components and offering constructive feedback.
• Varied Activities: Exposure to a wide range of activities, rather than early specialization in one sport, ensures comprehensive FMS development.
• Progressive Challenges: Skills should be introduced simply and then progressively challenged with increasing complexity, speed, and environmental demands.
• Positive Reinforcement: Encouragement and celebration of effort and improvement are vital for building confidence.

Conclusion

Fundamental movement skills are the bedrock of physical literacy, providing the essential toolkit for a lifetime of movement. By nurturing the development of locomotor, manipulative, and stability skills, we empower individuals with the competence, confidence, and motivation to embrace physical activity, leading to healthier, more active, and fulfilling lives. Investing in FMS development is an investment in public health and individual well-being.