2.1 - Classification of Skills

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2.

1 - Classification of skills
Learning objectives

To be able to describe the different types of skill classification.

To be able to categorise sporting events on a skill classification


continuum.

To understand the types of practice using by coaches.

To apply knowledge of practices to different sporting activities.


Classification of skills

How are sports skills classified?


Classification of skills
Skill differs from ability in that it is not innate, skills are learnt.

They are developed from ability after a period of practice.

To produce a skilled performance, the player must practise so that


the required abilities are enhanced.
Classification of skills
Skills are usually classified on a sliding scale called a continuum.
This is a visual guide to indicate where a skill fits into a specific
category.
Skill Classification – Open/Closed
An open skill is one that is A closed skill involves less
affected by the sporting decision making because it has
environment. The performer a predictable environment.
has to make decisions in The performer can take their
response to their time to execute the skill.
surroundings.

OPEN CLOSED

Think. Pair. Share - Can you name other skills and where
would they fit on the continuum?
Skill Classification – Basic/Simple & Complex
A complex skill involves a Simple skills have a limited
high level of decision making amount of information to
and has a large cognitive or process. The skill has a smaller
thinking element to it. cognitive element.

COMPLEX BASIC/SIMPLE

Think. Pair. Share - Can you name other skills and where
would they fit on the continuum?
Skill Classification – Organisation
A low organised skill can be A highly organised skill is hard
broken down into parts, or to break down since it is fast in
subroutines. its execution.

LOW ORGANISED HIGH ORGANISED

Think. Pair. Share - Can you name other skills and where
would they fit on the continuum?
Skill Classification
Skills can be divided into ones that are outcome based and others
that have an unpredictable outcome.

Closed Skills:
These are skills that are
performed in the same
situation and have no
variation. The skills are
unaffected by the
environment. The actions
involved in closed skills
follow a set routine or
pattern of movement.

Think. Pair. Share - Can you name 3 other closed skills?


Skill Classification
Open Skills:
These are performed in a changing environment. This can include:
• Opponents movements
• Pace of the ball
• Height and distance from the ball

Open skills require


adaptability from the
performer.

Think. Pair. Share - Can you name 3 other open skills?


Skill Classification
Open/Closed Continuum:
This continuum represents the degree with which a skill is open or
closed.

Open skill ________________________________ Closed skill

Think. Pair. Share - Where would you place the following


sports on the continuum?
Practice structures
Skills and actions are learnt in a variety of ways. Performers will
usually learn through one or more of the following ways:

Trial and error - Role models -


Practice - repeating Attempting the skill Watching an elite
Copying - In the
actions over and until successful is a performer execute
initial stages of
over. As individuals lengthy process. the skill we intend
learning it is easier
get better at the This method of to learn can provide
to observe and copy
skill opposition can learning is best with some feedback
an actions.
be added. a highly motivated about how to
athlete. complete it.
Practice structures
Massed practice:
Massed practice is when no rest intervals are given between
each component of the training session. It is used when a coach
wants to promote a high level of fitness.

i.e. A coach putting a team


of footballers through a 1
hour fitness session none
stop. Players should be able
to cope with 45 minute
halves.
Practice structures
Massed practice is appropriate for:

• Simple skills that demand little attention, so the performer can


still focus on the task after numerous attempts.

• Discrete skills with a clear end. These are usually short and
sharp and can be undertaken easily without a rest.
Practice structures
Distributed practice:
Distributed practice is when a rest interval is given to allow
recuperation. Feedback, coaching and advice on technique can
be given during the interval.
It is suitable for:
• Beginners, who can focus
on the next part of the skill
during the break.

• Performers who are unfit.

• Performers who need


encouragement from the
coach to improve motivation.
Practice structures
Fixed practice:
Fixed practice uses repetition of the same activity to promote
over-learning. This ensures that more advanced performers
maintain consistency in their performance.

It is appropriate for closed


skills that do not require
adaptation to the
environment, self- paced
skills, and simple skills that
have a discrete element to
them.
Practice structures
Varied practice:
Varied practice involves using different methods to
achieve a learning goal, or performing a task in different
situations. It aims to provide the performer with the ability to
adapt a skill to a range of possible circumstances.

This method is appropriate for


open skills, where the sporting
environment tends to change.

Varied practice is often used with


beginners, because it allows them
to progress when more difficult
elements of the task are added to
those they are already familiar
with.
Apply it! What has stuck with you?

Define what is meant by the


Describe the different practice
open/closed continuum in
structures that exist.
skill classification.

Classification
of skill

What is the difference


Explain the term ‘fixed
between basic and complex
practice’
skills?
Practice it!
Exam questions
1. Which one of the following is NOT a type of practice
structure? (1)

A Massed Practice
B Fixed Practice
C Assisted Practice
D Variable Practice
Practice it!
Exam questions
2. Sports skills can be classified as open or closed skills. Explain
how a coach would vary a training session when coaching open
and closed skills. (3)
Practice it!
Marks Scheme:
1. C
2. If a skill is closed (like a penalty) practice should be in closed
conditions (1), however, if it is an open skill, the skill should be
practised in pressured situations (1) so the player/team get
used to using the skill under pressure of time/opposition (1). If a
skill is open (like a pass during the game) practice should be in
open conditions (1) it should be practised using variable
practice (1) so the player/team get used to adapting the
execution of the skill to match the changing circumstances of
the game (1).
Knowing whether a skill is open or closed means that the coach
can set up appropriate drills in training (1), this means that the
players would practise closed skills in closed conditions to
match the way they need to perform the skill in the game (1),
this allows the performer to focus on the skill without
unnecessary distractions from others (1).