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