Which phase describes the athlete that can perform the skill at a maximal level of proficiency?

The autonomous phase is characterized by the highest level of proficiency in motor skills, where the athlete can perform the skill with minimal conscious effort. In this phase, athletes exhibit smooth, efficient, and consistent execution of movements, allowing them to focus on higher-level strategies and decision-making during competition. This is a critical milestone in skill acquisition; athletes not only understand the mechanics of their performance but can also adapt their actions to changes in the environment, respond to opponents, and manage their physiological and psychological states effectively.

In this context, while other phases such as the associative phase involve refining skills and improving consistency, and the elite phase may refer to a level or status of competition rather than a phase of learning, they do not describe the peak proficiency that characterizes the autonomous phase. The advanced phase could indicate a level above initial learning but still lacks the full autonomy found in an athlete who has mastered their skill. Thus, the autonomous phase best captures the athlete's ability to perform at a maximal level of proficiency.