Slide 1

How can skills be classified on a continuum? 1.3 Classification of Skill

Slide 2

Why do we classify skill? To understand the nature of skilled performance To provide a basis of which types and methods of training will be most successful The performance of a skill may greatly vary as they are performed in changing environments. This makes classification a difficult process and is why Continua are used. A continuum is a link between two extremes which blend together gradually. We are concerned with 4 Continua Open-Closed Self Paced- Externally Paced Gross-Fine Discrete-Serial-Continuous

Slide 3

Open Closed Continuum How stable is the environment? Does what is happening in the environment affect how the skill is performed? How cognitive or perceptual is the skill? Open Unstable, changing environment Opponents, team mates, flight of the ball Performance highly affected by change Required to change depending on teammates High level of cognitive/perceptual skill High levels of decision making Closed Stable, unchanging environment Athletics area (Shot Putt) or Gymnastics routine Performance not affected by change No attention needed to actions of others Low level of cognitive/perceptual skill Little decision making required

Slide 4

Externally Paced- Self Paced Continuum What Controls the rate or pace at which the skill is performed? What controls the start of the movement? Externally Paced The rate of movement is controlled by external factors Receiving an opponents serve in Tennis The initiation of movement is controlled by external factors Defender reacting to the movement of a forward Self Paced The rate of movement is controlled by the performer Speed of rotation in a gymnastic somersault The initiation of movement is controlled by the performer Start of a dive in a competition

Slide 5

Gross- Fine Continuum Are large or small muscle groups used when performing the action? Gross Major body movements involving large muscle groups Associated with strength, power and endurance Often a fundamental motor pattern Kicking, Throwing a ball, shot putt, long jump etc. Fine Intricate, fine movements involving small muscle groups Associated with accuracy and precision Requires high levels of hand-eye coordination Table tennis shot, Dart throw etc.

Slide 6

Discrete- Serial- Continuous Continuum Is there a clear beginning and end to the movement? Is it composed of a number of separate elements? Discrete Single specific skill Clear beginning and end Basketball free-throw Serial A number of discrete skills chained together First movement triggers the next Gym routine, triple jump Continuous Movement is on-going End of one cycle leads to the beginning of another Cycling, Swimming, running

Slide 7

Placing Skills on the Continuum Open Closed Externally Paced Self Paced GrossFine Discrete Continuous Chest Pass in netballDive Return of table-tennis serveSwimming front crawl X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X