1 - Skill Characteristics and types

Question 1

Define a skill set out by Barbara Knapp (1963)?

Answer 1

A skill is a learned ability to bring about pre-determined results with the minimum outlay of time, energy or both. (Knapp 1963)

Question 2

What is the memory tool for characteristics of a skill?

Answer 2

ACE FACE

Question 3

What are the 7 characteristics of a skill?

Answer 3

Aesthetically pleasing
Consistent
Efficient
Fluent
Accurate
Controlled
Economical

Question 4

Define a open skill?

Answer 4

A skill performed in an unpredictable environment (changes frequently).

Question 5

Give an example of an open skill?

Answer 5

A chest pass is an open skill because your team mates and opposition constantly move around the pitch as you prepare to pass the ball.

Question 6

Define a closed skill?

Answer 6

A closed skill is performed in a predictable environment (fewer decisions to make).

Question 7

Give an example of a closed skill?

Answer 7

Performing a backwards roll in gymnastics is closed, as the environment does not change.

Question 8

Define a gross skill?

Answer 8

A skill that uses large muscle groups (e.g shoulder, quadriceps etc).

Question 9

Give an example of a gross skill?

Answer 9

In rugby, you use your leg muscles to drive the opponent into the ground. The large muscles of the quadriceps used in the tackle will have a larger number of fibres.

Another example would include; a spring start, as the quadriceps are used to drive out the blocks.

Question 10

Define a fine skill?

Answer 10

A skill that uses smaller muscle groups.

Question 11

Give an example of a fine skill?

Answer 11

(Small muscles are used to perform a skill that requires precision)

• The control needed to return a shot in table tennis.
• The steady hand needed when attempting to fire a shot in pistol shooting.

Question 12

Define a self-paced skill?

Answer 12

A self-paced skill is when the performer is in control of the speed and timing of the skill.

Question 13

Give an example of a self-paced skill?

Answer 13

• When taking a penalty, the player will decide before the penalty is taken how hard to strike the ball and when to commence the run up (after the referee has indicated that the penalty can commence).
• The hammer throw is self-paced because the performer decides when to begin the rotations and dictates how quickly they spin.

Question 14

Define an externally paced skill?

Answer 14

When the performer has no control over the start and speed of the skill.

Question 15

Give an example of an externally paced skill?

Answer 15

When receiving a hockey pass from a team mate, the performer reacts to the speed and timing of the incoming ball. This makes it an externally paced skill as the performer has no control over the speed of the incoming pass.

Question 16

Define a discrete skill?

Answer 16

A discrete skill has a clear beginning and end and is one short sharp action.

Question 17

Give an example of a discrete skill?

Answer 17

A tennis serve - a fast action, after which the player either stops and repeats if the serve does not go ‘in’ or, on completion of a successful serve, will then move into position to deal with a possible return.

Question 18

Define a continuous skill?

Answer 18

A continuous skill has no clear beginning and end and often the end of one part or subroutine of the skill is the start of the next part.

(The movement is cyclical)

Question 19

Give an example of a continuous skill?

Answer 19

Cycling is an example - when the action of pedalling can be repeated continuously until the task is completed, or in a non-competitive situation can be stopped when the cyclist feels they need a rest.

• swimming strokes are continuous because of their cyclical nature.

Question 20

Define a serial skill?

Answer 20

A serial skill is a number of discrete skills that are performed together sequentially, creating another skill. Each skill is a discrete skill - put it together you have a serial skill.

Question 21

Give an example of a serial skill?

Answer 21

The run-up, hop, step, jump and landing are linked and performed together as a triple jump. The individual skills are linked in a specific order and therefore it is a serial skill.

• Examples also include gymnastics, dance or trampoline routines.

Question 22

Define a highly organised skill?

Answer 22

A highly organised skill is a skill that is not easily broken into parts due to the speed at which the action is performed.

(Whole practice is recommended for these type of skills)

Question 23

Give an example of a highly organised skill?

Answer 23

• A sprint start is highly organised because it is performed rapidly and is therefore hard to break down into sub routines.
• A volley in football can be very quick and the sun-routines merge quickly as the skill is performed.

Question 24

Define a low organised skill?

Answer 24

A skill that can be easily broken down into its subroutines / parts.

Question 25

Give an example of a low organised skill?

Answer 25

An example is a swimming stroke because the arm action, leg action, and body positioning can be easily identified and practised separately if needed.

Question 26

Define a simple skill?

Answer 26

A skill that requires few decisions when being performed.

Question 27

Give an example of a simple skill?

Answer 27

A forward roll in gymnastics.

Question 28

Define a complex skill?

Answer 28

A skill that requires decision making using lots of information when performed.

Question 29

Give an example of a complex skill?

Answer 29

A dribble in hockey is an example since the player has to take into account the position of other players, attackers and defenders, as well as concentrating on the ball and the control of the stick.

The centre player in rugby, running with the ball, takes into account the defenders positions before deciding which team mate to pass to during attacking play. This is a complex skill because of the large number of decisions to make before the pass can be made.