Can’t throw, can’t catch: Australian kids are losing that sporting edge

The Conversation | James Rudd | 28 January 2015

Australians like to think themselves as sporting and fit – a concept reinforced by the success of the country’s elite athletes. But evidence is emerging that Australian kids are falling behind their international peers and are performing worse in skills such as kicking, throwing, catching and jumping than they were 30 years ago.

For some time, researchers have been tracking Australian children’s capacity to run, throw, kick, catch and jump. Collectively, these skills are known as Fundamental Movement Skills.

James Rudd is PhD Candidate in Skill Acquisition and Motor Development within the Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living (ISEAL) at Victoria University

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