1. Skill Classification Continuums
Continued …….

2. The Open/Closed Continuum
This is based on the influence of the environment.
How stable is the environment?
Does what is happening outside of the performer have an impact on the skill?
How cognitive or perceptual is the skill?
Why is a netball pass classified as an open skill?
Why is a penalty shot classified as a closed skill?
OPEN CLOSED
Netball pass Netball penalty shot

3. The Gross/Fine Continuum
This is based on the amount of muscular movement and the precision required during the execution of the skill.
Are the larger gross muscle groups in the body being used?
Are the smaller muscle groups capable of more delicate muscle control being used?
Why is a shot putt classified as a gross skill?
Why is a ring throw classified as a fine skill?
GROSS FINE
Shot Putt The ring throw

4. The Self paced/Externally paced Continuum
This is based on the amount of control the performer has over the execution and timing of the movement.
What controls the rate or pace at which a skill is performed?
What controls the start of the movement?
Why is a GK reacting to a shot classified as an Externally paced skill?
Why is a penalty flick classified as a self paced skill?
EXTERNALLY-PACED SELF-PACED
Hockey GK reacting to a shot A penalty flick

5. Discrete/Serial/Continuous Continuum
This is based on the relationship between the sub routines and identification of the beginning and end of a movement.
Can you see a clear beginning and end to the movement?
Is it composed of a number of separate elements?
Does the movement have no clear beginning and end?
Why is a Bball Free throw classified as a Discrete skill?
Why is a lay up classified as a serial skill?
Why is a dribble down the court described as a continuous skill?
DISCRETE SERIAL CONTINUOUS
Bball Free throw A Lay up Dribble relay

6. Guess the continuum……
Skills involve large muscle movements and large muscle groups. Accuracy and precision not necessarily a high priority.
Skills involve a linked series of discrete skills, performed in a set order or sequence for each sub routine.
Directly affected by the environment because it is unstable and changing, not predictable and requires constant adjustment to suit the situation. The skills are perceptual and involve decisions which need to be made quickly.
Skills involve a clear beginning and end, take a short time for completion and to repeat the skill it must be started again.
Skills are not directly affected by the environment, because it is stable and constant, it is predictable. The skills are pre learned in a set routine, require minimal adjustment and can be repeated consistently when learnt. Decisions are pre planned.
Skills involve small muscle movements and small muscle groups. Accuracy and precision is a vital factor.
Skills involve performers controlling the start of the movement and the speed of the movement. Usually closed skills.
Skills involve no clear beginning or end, are performed over an extended time period and the end of one movement is the start of the next.