TExES Physical Education EC-12 Practice Exam

Which of the following motor skills is not directly connected through transfer learning?

1. An underhand volleyball serve

2. An underhand badminton serve

3. A basketball free throw

4. A softball pitch

The correct answer is: A basketball free throw

Transfer learning refers to the process where skills learned in one context improve or hinder the acquisition of skills in another context. In this question, it is essential to analyze how closely related the motor skills are in terms of technique, body mechanics, and execution. The basketball free throw stands out because it involves a significantly different set of movements compared to the other skills listed. While the underhand serve in volleyball and badminton both require similar techniques in terms of underhand motion and follow-through, as well as similar body positioning, the basketball free throw involves an overhand shooting motion that engages different muscles and mechanics, such as wrist flick and elbow alignment. This difference leads to limited transferability of skills from the other listed motor skills directly to the basketball free throw. In contrast, both the underhand volleyball and badminton serves share similarities with regard to grip, motion, and structure, and the softball pitch has its unique mechanics but still remains closer to the underhand skill execution than the more complex and distinct shooting action of the basketball free throw. Therefore, understanding these nuances illustrates why the basketball free throw does not connect as directly through transfer learning with the other skills presented.