Skill Classification Continua

Skill Classification Continua refers to a system used to categorise skills along a linear scale, based on certain characteristics.
Continua is the plural form of continuum, implying that there are multiple categories or continnums along which a skill can be classified.

Gross to Fine Continuum: This spectrum involves gross skills and fine skills. Gross skills involve large muscle movements and are not very precise, such as jumping or running. Fine skills involve smaller muscle movements and require precision, like threading a needle or writing.
Open to Closed Continuum: On this spectrum, open skills are those influenced by the environment, like wind or other players. These are unpredictable and require adaptation. Closed skills, on the other hand, are not affected by the environment and are predictable, for example, a free-throw in basketball.
Externally-paced to Self-paced Continuum: Externally-paced skills depend on an outside factor, for instance, the pace of an opponent in a tennis match. Self-paced skills are determined by the performer and not the environment, such as a golfer taking a shot.

Understanding where a skill falls along these scales can help individuals and coaches when strategising and deciding on the most effective training methods.
Recognising the variances in skill types can aid in developing customised practice routines, and enhance performance improvement.

In a sporting context, skills rarely fall strictly at one end or the other of a continuum. They lie somewhere in-between, thus being a mix of characteristics.
For instance, a gymnastics routine might be self-paced (the gymnast decides when to start), largely closed (the routine is rehearsed and predictable) but involves both gross (jumps, flips) and fine (hand positions, facial expressions) skills.