1. Three ways of classifying skills: Fine or Gross(some skills include both) Discrete, Continuous or Serial Open or Closed Skill Classification

2. Fine Involves small muscle groups For performing fine tasks Examples – darts, marbles, handwriting

3. Gross Involves large muscle groups Often involved the whole body Examples – swimming, somersault, boxing

4. Discrete Has a distinct start and finish Examples – throwing, punching, a kick

5. Continuous A skill that has no distinct beginning or end Examples – dribble in basketball, running, skiing

6. Serial A series of discrete skills performed in a defined order to perform a continuous skill Examples – serving in tennis, a vault in gymnastics (i.e.. Run-up, take-off, pre- flight, support, post-flight, landing)

7. Closed The performer is in complete control of the sequence and timing of the skill Examples – archery, golf swing, handstand

8. Open The timing depends upon factors the performer cannot control. Eg opposition Examples – tackling in rugby, sailing, surfing

9. TYPES OF PRACTICE Massed or Distributed practice Massed practice: The learner continues practicing until the skill is learned Distributed practice: The students learn the skill in short, frequent practice sessions interspersed with rest intervals or intervals of alternate skill learning, e.g. juggling for 10 minutes then resting for 1 hour.

10. Whole or Part Learning Whole Learning: The skill is taught in it’s entirety. It is suggested that this is best for highly motivated or highly skilled performers Part Learning: The skill is broken down into its sub- routines and these are taught separately. This is normally suggested when in the early stages of learning, when energy demands are high or when motivation is low You can also combine these and have whole-part learning where you try the skill as a whole then go back and practice parts before combining again

11. Drill or Problem-solving Drill: Learning through repetition. This is often regarded as better for closed skills. shadow practice solo practice partner practice group practice conditioned games

12. Drill or Problem-solving Problem-solving: Learning through investigation and discovery. This can be particularly good for open skills, where the conditions can vary. Offensive plays Defensive formations