Effects of Selected Sequencing Factors on the Catching Process of Elementary School Children

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of selected sequencing factors on childrens’ catching in the developmental task analyses concept proposed separately by Morris (1976, 1980) and Herkowitz (1978). Process scores on Cashin’s Catching Test (1974) were obtained for 15 males and 15 females at ages 6, 8, and 10 years (n = 90). The design included three conditions each for ball size, height of interception, and distance of catch. ANOVA results indicated that no significant differences occurred for process scores as a function of ball size. Significant differences occurred for (a) height of interception with chest catches highest, then waist height, then knee height catches; (b) distance of catch with more effective catches occurring for shorter distances; (c) gender in favor of males for height of interception and distance of catch; and (d) age with superior scores as age increased. These results support the developmental task analysis concept although age had a greater effect on catching process than did any other factor alone.