Classifications of skills

Section: Introduction to Classifications of Skills

  • Gain an insight into the understanding of classifications of skills, the various ways in which physical and psychological activities can be categorized.
  • Recognise the importance of differentiating between skills to improve training methods and improve sports performance.
  • Acknowledge that the type of skill required can vary greatly depending on the sport, position, or specific role within a team.

Section: Simple and Complex Skills

  • Understand that skills can be classified into simple and complex skills based on their difficulty and involvement.
  • Indicate that simple skills often require few decisions and are relatively uncomplicated to execute.
  • Define complex skills as those requiring high levels of coordination, precision, and decision-making, often under high-pressure conditions.

Section: Open and Closed Skills

  • Distinguish between open and closed skills in the classification of sports skills.
  • Identify open skills as those performed in an unpredictable and changing environment, where the performer must respond dynamically to external stimuli.
  • View closed skills as those performed in a stable, predictable environment, where the performer knows exactly what to do and when.

Section: Self-paced and Externally Paced Skills

  • Comprehend the difference between self-paced and externally paced skills.
  • Explain self-paced skills as actions initiated by the performer at a time of their choosing.
  • Describe externally paced skills as those where the timing and pace of the action are dictated by external factors, often reactive to changing game scenarios.

Section: Discrete, Serial and Continuous skills

  • Understand the difference among discrete, serial, and continuous skills.
  • Define discrete skills as those having a clear beginning and end, like throwing a ball.
  • Characterize serial skills as a group of discrete skills strung together in a sequence to create a larger action, such as a gymnastic routine.
  • Outline continuous skills as those with no clear beginning or end, such as running or swimming that can continue for an extended period of time.

Section: Implication of Skill Classification in Training

  • Recognise that understanding skill classifications can inform training methods and tactics.
  • Grasp that different types of skills require different training approaches for their improvement.
  • Realise the benefits of variety in training regimes by incorporating a mix of simple and complex or open and closed skills to create a more well-rounded athlete.

Section: Summary of Skill Classifications

  • Understand how the classification of skills can aid in identifying the key elements required for optimum performance in different sports.
  • Learn to appreciate that effective training and performance entail using the right mix of skills, based on the nature of the sport and the situation.
  • Remember that the types of skills used can greatly influence the outcome of a game or match.