Abstract

This study aims to determine the levels of motor competence of Chilean students and possible differences according to grade and gender. 377 students (37.7% girls) of the third and fourth grade participated in the study. Motor competence was evaluated through the MOBAK 3-4 test. Low levels of motor competence were found. Fourth grade students showed a better motor performance than third grade students. Boys performed better than girls in object control, while girls scored higher than boys in self-movement,although with an irrelevant effect size.When these results are contrasted with the learning objectives stipulated in the curriculum, many students do not achieve the expected skills, what makes it necessary to place greater emphasis on the promotion of motor competence.