Development of motor control

Abstract This chapter provides an overview of the development of motor control. It begins with descriptions of the theoretical foundation that underpin the understanding of development. A dynamical systems approach is favoured with the interaction between the task, the individual, and the environment seen as a key concept. The emphasis is on the early stages of development when the most rapid and significant changes take place. Key areas such as spontaneous movements, postural control, and perception–action coupling are also considered. In the final section, the development of fundamental movement skills including walking, reaching and grasping, catching, and throwing are explored. The importance of ‘moving to learn and learning to move’ is stressed as imperative to ensuring that children develop appropriate movement skills.