1. Definition of Skill Definition of Skill When we talk about skill, we are talking about the quality of the performance. We recognise a skilled performance because of the following characteristics: • Skill is learned • It is consistent • It has predetermined goals • It is efficient and co-ordinated Skill, therefore, can be defined as ‘the learned ability to bring about predetermined results with maximum certainty, often with the minimum outlay of time, energy or both’.

2. Why do we Need to Classify Skills? Why do we Need to Classify Skills? It is important to be able to accurately classify skills in order for teachers and coaches to plan effective sessions. Accurate classification helps us have a greater understanding of different skills.

3. Continuum Line Continuum Line Skills cannot always be placed neatly into one particular category. To overcome this, we place skills on a continuum — a line on which you can place a skill depending on how much they match the given criteria.

4. The Four Continua The Four Continua There are four main continua on which we can place skills. These are: 1. The open — closed continuum 2. The gross — fine continuum 3. The pacing continuum 4. The continuous — discrete continuum

5. Open and Closed Skills Open and Closed Skills Open skills: These are skills in which the environment is changing around the performer. Team games and ball sports are examples of open skills. Closed skills: These skills have a set pattern of movement that can be repeated. They are not affected by the environment, for example using the gym vault. Practice for this type of skill is known as fixed practice.

6. Self-Paced and Externally-Paced skills Self-Paced and Externally-Paced skills Self-paced skills: The performer is in control of the timing and pacing of the action. An example of this is a javelin throw. Externally-paced skills: This is a reaction skill, when the timing and pacing is dictated by outside forces. An example of this is receiving a serve in badminton.

7. Continuous and Discrete Skills Continuous and Discrete Skills • A continuous skill has no obvious beginning and end. For example, cycling. • A discrete skill has a clear beginning and end. You see it start and then stop, for example a penalty flick in hockey. There is a third category Serial skills which are a series of discrete skills are linked together such as the triple jump which has a run, hop, step and jump.