Skill Classification

Muscular Continuum

Gross

• Large muscle groups used

• Shot put

Fine

• Intricate movements

• Small muscle groups

• Snooker shot or darts

Environmental Continuum

Open

• Affected by the environment

• Environment is constantly changing

• Pass in football

Closed

• Not affected by the environment

• Environment is predictable

• Serve in tennis

Continuity Continuum

Discrete

• Clear beginning and ending

• Straddle jump

Serial

• Several discrete skills linked together

• Triple jump

Continuous

• No clear beginning or ending

• Cycling

Pacing Continuum

Externally Paced

• The environment/ opponent controls the rate at which the skill is performed

• Saving a penalty in football

Internally Paced

• The performer controls the rate at which the skill is performed

• Javelin throw

Difficulty Continuum

Simple

• Requires few decisions

• Small perceptual load

• Sprinting

Complex

• Requires frequent decision making

• High perceptual load

• Badminton serve

Organisational Continuum

High Organisation

• Made up of many sub-routines

• Sub-routines are closely linked and can’t be separated easily

• Cartwheel

Low Organisation

• Made up of few sub-routines

• Sub-routines are easily separated

• Trampolining sequence