Describe the transfer of learning and identify two factors that enhance positive transfer between similar skills.

• A. Positive transfer occurs when learning one skill hinders another; factors: fatigue and anxiety.
• B. Positive transfer occurs when learning one skill has no effect on another; factors: practice time and frequency.
• C. Positive transfer occurs when learning one skill facilitates another; factors: similarity of cues and movement patterns; practice context.
• D. Positive transfer occurs when skills are unrelated; factors: weather.

Answer: (C)

Transfer of learning is when what you learn in one skill affects how you perform another. Positive transfer occurs when that effect helps you perform the second skill better. Between similar skills, it works best when two things line up: the cues you use are similar, and the movement patterns required are alike. When cues are similar, you can recognise the situation and apply the same response; when movement patterns are similar, you can reuse the same motor plan. Practicing the skills in a context similar to real performance strengthens those connections, making it easier to transfer the learning.