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Introduction

Skill Classification For this study of skills I am going to select ten different sporting skills then I will describe how these skills would be classified. The word skill is used in many forms, but skill and ability are often confused when describing an individual's performance. Skills are not to do with genetics of a person, the skill must be learned, and skill therefore gives you the ability. As skills are taught for each individual sporting activity for many these are the fundamentals of the sport and can be decisive between winning and losing. Skills have been classified for the use of performers, teachers and coaches alike so that they can determine the differing characteristics of each skill. This allows for coaches to design and use specific drills and methods of teaching to improve certain skills. The finest definition of skill I have found is that of Gurthie in 1952 "The ability to bring about some end result with the maximum certainty and minimum outlay of time, energy or both". Skills can be identified in three varieties, Cognitive Skill this is the ability to solve problems by thinking; an example of this would be keeping score of a basketball game. ...read more.

Middle

Gymnastic Routine Gymnastic routines are carried out within the same environment nearly every time without any form of direct opposition; this will make the routine a closed skill. The speed at which the gymnast performs is self-controlled, so the pacing continuum would be a self-paced skill. The gymnast's routine consists of many of discrete skills with a significant sequence so it is a serial skill. The routine would be classed as a gross skill as there are a large muscles used. Basketball Free Throw A basketball free throw is a discrete skill as it has a beginning and an end that are easily noticeable. The action is initiated when the player receives the ball from the referee and the end of the player's action is when the ball is released. The skill is closed because you stand-alone without an opposition contesting your actions, on the free throw line 15 foot away from the basket. The action of the free throw is self-paced because it is a skill performed at a rate that the performer decides, as long as it is less than 5 seconds. A free throw is a gross skill because it involves 4 major muscles quadriceps, calf, triceps and forearm. ...read more.

Conclusion

As long as the routine goes to plan the performer should not need to react to correct any mistakes. The skill is gross as the upper body is used for balance and the legs are used to gain height on the jumps. The performer is in control of their actions and can pace the rate of the skill, self-paced continuum. The skills are serial as there are many discrete skills used in the performance. Cricket Ball Catching This skill can vary from gross to fine, as long as the ball is coming straight toward the performer then the skill will be fine, but is the performer must run to meet the catch then the skill would be gross. This skill is open as the wind, and/or other fielders can affect the flight of the ball. The skill is discrete as there is a clear beginning and end. The reaction timing of the performer makes the skill externally paced. High Jump This skill is performed within a controlled environment so the skill is closed. The jumping uses most major muscle groups so the skill is gross. The skill is serial as it is a specific order that the routine must be performed. The skill is self-paced so the performer can take there time to prepare for the jump. ...read more.

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