Motor development means “The development of movement and various motor abilities from birth till death”. Motor development is progressive change in movement throughout the life cycle. As a matter of fact, the ability to move is essential to human development various motor movements or motor skills are essential for everyday life activities such as walking, sitting, running, jumping, catching or holding, throwing etc. Motor development in children.
1. Early childhood :- The period of early childhood starts from second year and continue till sixth year. The motor development during this periods takes place rapidly. It is know as pre-school years.
a) In this period, a child becomes perfect in various fundamental movements such as Running, Jumping, throwing & acquires the ability to unite or combine.
b) Children stride length increases and they develop a more mature running pattern.
c) Proficiency in climbing on ladder become efficient.
d) To hope and gallop skillfully.
e) Fine eye-hand coordination.
2. Middle childhood :- The period of middle childhood starts from 7th year and continues up till 10th year. During this period the changes, which takes place are -
a. Children become more agile
b. Strong desire to engage in various physical movements and activities.
c. Good eye-hand-leg coordination.
d. Better in balance and postures.
e. Motor skills are perfected and stabilized.
f. Coordinative abilities develop at the higher level, while the flexibility develop at the slower level.
3. Late childhood :- The period of late childhood begins from 11th year and continues upto 12th year or till the beginning of sexual maturation process. The no of changes take place during this period are
a. Girls are temporarily taller and heavier than boys because of the earlier onset of puberty.
b. Strength begins to differ among the boys and girls
d. Most of the children are master to most complex motor skills.
e. They learn strategies and more complex combination of motor skills.
f. Running and jumping movements, qualitatively and quantitatively develop at the faster rate. Coaches and teachers of physical education should continue to encourage skill development with an increasing stress on strategies and tactics.
