Defining Skill & Ability

• Skill Definition

  A learned action/behaviour that can be improved with practice
• Ability Definition

  Inherited, stable traits that determine a individual’s performance and potential
• What are the classifications of Skill

  • Basic/complex
  • Open/closed
  • Self-paced/externally-paced
  • Gross/fine
• Application of Basic Skill

  Multiple sports
• Performance level of a Basic Skill

  Beginner
• Decision making in Basic Skill

  Few decisions needed
• Movement required of a Basic Skill

  simple
• Examples of a Basic Skill

  • Walking
  • Running
  • Throwing and Catching
• Application of a Complex Skill

  Sport-specific
• Performer level of a Complex Skill

  Experienced/Professional
• Decision making in Complex Skill

  Multiple decisions may affect success
• Movement Required of a Complex Skill

  Complex, or a series of movements in a sequence
• Examples of Complex

  • High Jump
  • Tennis Serve
  • Bowling in cricket
• Basic Skill definition

  Few decisions to be made, decisions will not impact the success of the movement
• Complex Skill definition

  Complex decision making. Success depends on those decisions. Take time to master
• Open Skill definition

  A skill which is performed in a certain way to deal with a changing or unstable environment
• Closed Skill definition

  A skill which is not affected by the environment. Tends to be done the same way each time
• Decision making of an open skill

  The actions of others may determine decisions
• Decision making of a closed skill

  Limited decision making required
• Level of control on an open skill

  Performer is not in control of the outcome
• Level of control on a closed skill

  Performer is fully in control of the outcome
• Example of an open skill

  • Tackling in rugby
  • passing the ball in hockey
  • dribbling in basketball
• Example of a closed skill

  • Tennis serve
  • Gymnastics routine
  • Swimming race
  • Diving
  • Long jump
• Externally-paced definition

  The skill is started because of an external factor. The speed, rate or pace of the skill os controlled by external factors
• Self-paced definition

  The skill is started when the performer decides to start it. The speed, rate or pace of the skill is controlled by the performer
• Examples of Externally-paced skill

  • Goal save in football
  • Marking in netball
  • An opponent
• Examples of self-paced skills

  • High jump
  • Golf swing
  • Long distance running
• Fine skill definition

  Small and precise movements, showing high levels of accuracy and coordination. Involves the use of a smal; muscle group
• Fine skill examples

  • Darts throw
  • Table tennis serve
  • Archery shot
• Gross Skill definition

  Using large muscle groups to perform big, strong, powerful movements. No precision required
• Gross skill examples

  • Swimming
  • Rowing
  • Sprinting race
• What is the definition of a Trait?

  Distinguishing qualities or characteristics belonging to a person