An Illustrative Example
2. From Clang to Swish
Let's break down a classic example: shooting a basketball. When you first start out, you're probably just flinging the ball toward the hoop and hoping for the best. Clang! But as you practice, your brain starts to connect your actions (arm angle, release point, force) with the result (where the ball lands). You see the shot go wide, and you instinctively adjust your next shot. It's a continuous cycle of action, feedback, and adjustment.
The beauty of a closed-loop skill like shooting hoops is that it allows you to improve over time. Each shot provides valuable data that your brain uses to refine your technique. Eventually, you develop a feel for the shot, and your movements become more fluid and accurate. You don't even have to think about every little detail; it becomes almost automatic. This, my friend, is where the 'skill' part of the closed-loop skill really starts to shine.
Consider a professional basketball player taking a free throw. It might look effortless, but years of practice have honed their closed-loop system to perfection. Minute adjustments in their stance, grip, and release are made based on subtle cues from their body and the environment. It's a testament to the power of feedback and adaptation.
And it's not just about the big, obvious things. It's about the subtle adjustments you make without even realizing it. The way you shift your weight, the angle of your wrist, even the way you breathe. All of these factors contribute to the overall outcome, and your brain is constantly processing and adjusting them based on the feedback it receives.
