When I was growing up, we did a LOT of skateboarding.
At least two of my friends went on to be professionals.
There was a difference in how they learned to skate, or how they progressed.
They followed the four P’s. I did not.
1. Posture: They learned what the trick should look like. They learned the basics of the movement. This included style (I skipped worrying about style and tried to rush on to the next one)
2. Practice: They practiced the trick beyond moderate ability. They practiced it until it was flawless – even the very basics (I rushed to the next cool trick asap)
3. Placement: The application – or where to use the movement in a sequence of other movements. Or how it applies to the sport or activity as a whole. This includes variations of the movement to suit the environment or subtle change in task (To be able to use the trick any time/place. I could not adapt, as there wasn’t sufficient practice)
4. Philosophy: The learnings from the process. What were the lessons for broader life. What did this teach? (I was rushed, so it didn’t teach me much, hence I never got very good)
I’m fairly certain this process of these four P’s may be reflected somewhere in a martial art or model.
I’m definitely certain that it is applicable to other activities and tasks and was the main reason the good guys were able to progress so much further in later years.
