a learned action/learned behaviour with the intention of bringing about pre-determined results, with maximum certainty and minimum outlay of time and energy

using large muscle groups to perform big, strong, powerful movements

small and precise movement, showing high levels of accuracy and coordination, involves the use of a small group of muscles.

the skill is started when the performer decides to start it and the speed, rate or pace of the skill is controlled by the performer

the skill that is started because of an external factor and the speed, rate or pace of the skill is controlled by external factors, eg an opponent

Self-paced/externally paced and gross/fine continua

Physical education

This unit develops understanding of what skillful movement looks like and how it can be classified on different continua. It builds on the basic understanding that psychological factors can affect sporting performance in the same way physiological factors influence it.

Sport psychology: skill and ability

the skill is started when the performer decides to start it 

the skill that is started because of an external factor

high levels of accuracy and coordination, involves small muscles

Match the skill classification to the definition.

Which of the following are self-paced skills?

speed, rate or pace of a skill is determined by external factors

the performer decides when to execute the skill

the skill is started because of an external factor

the speed, pace or rate at which it is performed are determined by the performer

Which of these are characteristics of externally paced skills?

In the game of golf, the best example of a fine skill is...

Which of these self-paced skills are also classified as closed skills?

Put these skills in order from the most gross to the most fine.

What do we call the range or scale that skills are classified against?

a skill which is quickly learned as there are very few decisions

a skill which requires a lot of decision making and coordination

a skill performed to deal with a changing/unstable environment

a skill which is not affected by the environment 

Which is the correct definition for each type of skill?

Which of these skills uses the most amount of muscular power?

Put these skills in order from the most open to the most closed.

Which type of skill is batting in softball? Open or closed?

throwing the ball to run someone out in cricket

Match the skills with their place on two different continua.

Starter Quiz