What is developed and refined during the period from middle childhood through adolescence?

During middle childhood through adolescence, individuals experience significant growth and development in their physical abilities, particularly in sports skills and complex motor behaviors. This period is characterized by increased coordination, strength, speed, and timing as children engage in more organized sports and physical activities.

As they engage in competitive sports or team activities, youths learn to master specific techniques, understand rules, and develop strategic thinking, which are all crucial components of sports skills. Complex motor behaviors also include advanced coordination tasks such as dribbling a soccer ball while running or executing a gymnastics routine, which require a higher level of motor proficiency than basic movement skills.

Additionally, this developmental stage enables youths to experiment with a wide range of movement patterns, refine their technique, and enhance their physical fitness levels. Practicing these skills repeatedly enables athletes to improve their performance in various sports disciplines, making this option the most accurate reflection of the development that occurs during this stage.