Perceptual Motor skills - Performance in sport doesn't just involve one type of skill. Most skills are referred to as Perceptual Motor skills, as they involve though, interpretation and movement.
Classification Continuums
These are used in classifying skills when there is no definite discrete variable and a skill can be placed progressively along the line of 2 types of skills. Every sport requires a different type of skill, so each has a different requirement. From these, the most appropriate learning and practice environments can be identified.
Open v. Closed
Open skill - A skill that is directly influenced by the environment in which it is performed. The skill has to be adapted each time it is performed and is never performed the same way twice. Such as, a forehand in tennis, as the ball will never come from the same place, nor with the same amount of spin, the athlete will also have to consider where the sun is, and if there is any wind.
Closed skill - A skill that has no physical outside influence, and is performed the same way every time. This is because the environment is stable. Such as, a handstand in gymnastics.
Closed Open
Gross v. Fine
Gross skill - A skill that involves large muscle group movements, such as hitting a smash in tennis or running.
Fine skill - A skill that involves small intricate muscle movements, such as shooting a rifle or throwing a line out in Rugby.
Gross Fine
Discrete v. Continuous v. Serial
Discrete skill - This skill has a clear beginning and end and can be practiced on its own, such as throwing the ball up in a serve for tennis.
Continuous skill - A skill that has no obvious start or finish, it flows from element to element, such as running.
Serial skill - This is a skill that is made up of a number of discrete and continuous skills put together. They are skills that make up a routine or sequence, such as a floor routine in gymnastics.
Discrete
Pacing Continuum
A pacing continuum is the degree to which the performer has the control over the timing of the skill
Self-paced skill - It is instigated by the performer, they are in control of the timing as much or as little as they want, such as a shot in golf.
Externally paced skill - These aren't controlled by the performer, but by outside instigator, such as a start in a swimming race.
Individual v. Co-active v. Interactive
Individual skill - This is a skill that is performed in isolation, entirely on your own, such as a somersault in gymnastics
Co-active skill - This is a skill that is performed at the same time as others, but without direct confrontation, such as a 100-metre sprint.
Interactive skill - This is a skill where other performers are directly involved, such as in wrestling, where your decisions may be affected by those of the opposition.
Method of classification
The method of classification used, depends on the purpose. Classification is often seen as a starting point for the planning of teaching approaches and learning. A combination of methods may be used in order to identify the range of requirements of the skill. All three continua are sometimes shown in one representation in order to build a profile.
The requirements of the skill will influence greatly the appropriate teaching or learning and practice conditions. Here is a representation of a tennis serve, on a single continuum:
Analysis
In conclusion, from the definitions above, there is no definite classification for any skills, they are placed in neither skill itself and so continuums are very important in classifying skills correctly. The only way that a skill can be placed in a category is by placing it along a continuum. Coaches and trainers can use continuums for a great advantage when devising training programmes for their target trainees. The continuums can place people on different parts due to their levels of skill, so not placing people out of their depth. For example, a learner who has just taken up football will need to be taught basic skills like passing and dribbling the ball, but an experienced, highly skilled footballer will need to be taught some more technical skills to add to their already skilled game.
The disadvantage of the continuums is that a skill cannot be placed definitely in one category or the other which means that there is some uncertainty among the classification of skill, which is also why there are many different definitions of what skill is, because different people have different ideas about what skill is.
Bibliography
Advanced PE for Edexel
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