1. PHED 1 Skill Acquisition Skill Classification
AS PE
PHED 1
Skill Acquisition
Skill Classification

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

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

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

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.

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

7. Placing Skills on the Continuum
Open Closed Externally Paced Self Paced Gross Fine Discrete Continuous X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Chest Pass in netball Dive
Return of table-tennis serve Swimming front crawl