Skill classification

• A motor skill is an action that has a goal and requires voluntary body or limb movement to achieve this.
• A subroutine is the elements or separate movements that make up a particular skill.
• A simple skill is where there are very few decisions that have to be made and few subroutines. For example a 100m sprint start.
• A complex skill is a skill where there are lot's of decisions to be made and subroutines. For example a tumble turn in swimming.
• An open skill is a skill affected by the environment. Therefore movements have to be adapted to this and the skill is mostly externally paced. For example a hockey pass under pressure from the opposing team.
• A closed skill is not affected by the environment. Movements follow a set pattern and are mostly self paced. For example a tennis serve.
• A self paced skill is a skill where control of speed and timings of the skill are determined by the performer for example weight lifting.
• An externally paced skill is a skill where the speed and timings of the skill are determined by the environment. For example a tumble routine in time to music.
• A gross skill is a skill involving large muscle groups and movements. For example high jump.
• A fine skill is a skill that involves intricate movements using small muscle groups. For example the finger and wrist action of a bowler in cricket.
• A discrete skill is a skill with a clear beginning and end, a specific skill. For example a golf swing.
• A serial skill is a skill with a number of discrete elements/subroutines which are put together to make an integrated movement or sequence. For example triple jump.
• A continuous skill is a skill with no clear beginning or end. For example cycling.
• A high organisation skill is a skill made up of closely linked subroutines that are difficult to separate and practiced as a whole. For example cycling.
• A low organisation skill is made up of subroutines that can be easily isolated and separated for practice. For example a javelin throw.