The natural physical alternative to cognitive theories of motor behaviour: an invitation for interdisciplinary research in sports science?

This review examines the viability of the natural physical alternative to traditional cognitive modelling of the sport performer. It is concluded that the natural physical perspective offers an attractive framework for the study of movement control and co-ordination in sport, but, at present, does not seem capable of superseding cognitive explanations. As a consequence of the nature of the questions they are asking, natural physical theorists offer a significant avenue for interdisciplinary research in sports science. Significant differences in the philosophy underpinning both theoretical views are acknowledged, but growing support for an integrated approach to motor control is highlighted. A major task for sports scientists may be to verify empirically the nature of an integrated model of the sport performer.