Three ways of classifying skills:

Fine or Gross (some skills include both)Discrete, Continuous or SerialOpen or Closed

Skill Classification

FineInvolves small muscle groupsFor performing fine tasksExamples – darts, marbles, handwriting

GrossInvolves large muscle groupsOften involved the whole bodyExamples – swimming, somersault, boxing

DiscreteHas a distinct start and finishExamples – throwing, punching, a kick

ContinuousA skill that has no distinct beginning or endExamples – dribble in basketball, running,

skiing

SerialA series of discrete skills performed in a

defined order to perform a continuous skillExamples – serving in tennis, a vault in

gymnastics (i.e.. Run-up, take-off, pre-flight, support, post-flight, landing)

ClosedThe performer is in complete control of the

sequence and timing of the skillExamples – archery, golf swing,

handstand

OpenThe timing depends upon factors the

performer cannot control. Eg oppositionExamples – tackling in rugby, sailing,

surfing

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.

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

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

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