1. 2.1 Skill Acquisition

2. Classification of Skills

3. Continuums
The use of continuums was devised to allow skills to be analysed and placed 
between two extremities, according to how they match the analysis criteria
being applied.
Sporting skills can be classified on 6 different continuums.
The muscular involvement (gross / fine) classification.
The environmental influence (open / closed) classification.
The continuity (discrete / serial / continuous) classification.
The pacing (self paced / externally paced) classification.
The difficulty (simple / complex) classification.
The organisation (low / high) classification.

4. The muscular involvement (gross / fine) classification
Based on the degree of bodily movement, or the precision of movement needed.
GROSS FINE
GROSS SKILLS
FINE SKILLS
Involve large muscle movements.
Involve large muscle groups.
Major bodily movement skills associated with:
Strength
Endurance
power
Involve small muscle movements.
Involve small muscle groups.
Small bodily movements associated with:
Speed
Efficiency
Accuracy

5. Gross or fine skills? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvpwbG3dRFI

6. The environmental influence (open / closed) classification
Based on the stability of the environment or situation in which the skill is being performed.
CLOSED OPEN
CLOSED SKILLS
OPEN SKILLS
Not affected by the environment
Very much affected by the unstable, changing environment
Stable, fixed environment (space/time) predictable
Externally paced environment
Internally/self paced , usually habitual stereotyped movements (eg headstand)
Predominantly perceptual movement patterns require adjustment.
Very often rapid adjustments, variations of skill needed.

7. Open or closed continuum

8. The continuity (discrete / serial / continuous) classification
Based on the relationship between sub-routines, and how clearly defined the beginning and end of the skill are to observers.
DISCRETE SERIAL CONTINUOUS
Well defined beginning and end
A number of discrete skills put together to make a sequence or series
Poorly defined beginning and end
Usually brief in nature – a single specific skill
Order in which the distinct elements are put together is very important
Activity continues for an unspecified time (ongoing)
If skill is repeated, have to start at beginning (eg a basketball free throw)
Each movement is both stimulus and repsonse (eg triple jump)
End of one movement is beginning of next repetition (eg swimming/cycling)

9. The pacing (self paced / externally paced) classification
Based on degree of control performer has over the skill being carried out. Refers to the amount of control for both the timing and speed of movement.
SELF PACED EXTERNALLY PACED
Performer controls the rate at which the activity is carried out
Action is determined by external sources
Performer decides when to initiate movement
Involves pro-action
Involves the performer in reaction
More closed skills (eg shot putt)
More open skills (eg receiving a serve in tennis)

10. Self paced or Externally paced

11. The difficulty (simple / complex) classification
Based on the complexity of the movement, depending on the amount of information to process, time available to make decision, number of sub-routines and the use of feedback during performance.
SIMPLE COMPLEX
Not affected by environment
Very much affected b the unstable, changing environment
Few sub-routines
Numerous sub-routines which must be performed in the correct sequence
Little information to process
Large amount of information to process
Time to evaluate the situation
Short amount of time to evaluate the situation
Feedback is not essential
Feedback aids the performance
(eg swimming)
(eg gymnastic routine)

12. The organisation (high/ low) classification

13. Classification profile
GROSS FINE
SELF PACED EXTERNALLY PACED
DISCRETE SERIAL CONTINUOUS
               CLOSED OPEN
HIGH ORGANISATION                                                           LOW ORGANISATION
SIMPLE COMPLEX

14. Skill Classification Homework
Set Tuesday 12th September 
Due Tuesday 19th September
Questions available on alevelpe.weebly.com
A continuum is used to classify skills. The continuity continuum contains three elements – discrete, serial and continuous whilst the environmental continuum contains open and closed skills.
Use practical examples to explain each of these elements (5 MARKS)
Identify three characteristics of a ‘complex’ skill (3 MARKS)
Give two examples of a ‘low organisation’ skill (2 MARKS)
Identify and explain five characteristics of a skillful performance (5 MARKS)
How can the use of classification systems assist a teacher/coach when deciding which
training or practice method is the most appropriate (3 MARKS)
TOTAL 18 MARKS