1. Classification of skills
Content
2.1.1
Classification of a range of sports skills using the open–closed, basic (simple) –complex, and low organisation–high organisation continua
2.1.2
Practice structures: massed; distributed; fixed and variable
2.1.3
Application of knowledge of practice and skill classification to select the most relevant practice to develop a range of skills

2. Identify the skills being used in the following sports…

3. What is a Continuum?
Allows for classification without being the extreme…. If I asked how friendly are you? Are you friendly 100% of the time? If it is most of the time then it could be….
Friendly
Unfriendly

4. Task
For your favourite sport, write down all of the skills you regularly use….

5. The Skill Continua
In order for a Coach to understand the best way to practice this wide range of skills they will be classified together according to their demands…
Open
Closed
Open – Closed continuum
Basic
Complex
Basic- Complex continuum
Low
High
Low – High organisation continuum

6. Open-Closed Continuum
How much can the environment change?
Is the skill performed in the same way every time?
The environment could change according to…
Actions and movement of teammates
Actions and movement of opposition
Closed Skills
Stable Environment
Gymnastics Routine
Javelin throw
Basketball Free throw
Open Skills
Unstable Environment
Hockey push pass
Tennis forehand
Volleyball spike

7. Basic-Complex Continuum
How easy is it to complete the skill?
Is it simple movement patterns?
Well learnt or do they have to make decisions?
Basic skills
Well Learnt
Sprint Start
Shot Putt
Long Jump
Complex Skills
Makes Decisions
Basketball lay up
Football through pass
Rugby tackle

8. Low - High organisation Continuum
How easy is it to break the skill down into smaller parts?
Is the skill made up of a series of smaller moves?
Can it be practiced in separate parts?
Low Organisation
Easy to break down…
Tennis serve
Hockey Slap pass
Breaststroke
High Organisation
Difficult to break down…
Golf Swing
Springboard dive
Cartwheel

9. Task
Classify 3 of the skills identified at the start of the lesson according to the 3 continua… Open- Closed Basic – Complex Low Organisation –High organisation

10. Types of Practice structure
As mentioned previously, we classify skills in order to teach them more effectively…
The structure of a practice session will be different depending on the skill being improved
Massed Practice- Little or no breaks, performers will work on same skill continuously
Distributed practice- Break periods to allow recover or opportunity to change to a different skill
Variable practice- Mixture of massed and distributed practice within a session
Fixed practice- Repeated practice of the whole skill so it becomes well learnt

11. Task
How might a training session be structured differently for an open skill rather than a closed skill?

12. Massed V Distributed Massed Distributed Advantages… Advantages…
Time to focus on the skill
Allows you to develop a skill quicker when necessary
Disadvantages…
Performer will get tired without a break
The performer may get bored of repetition
Used when…
Performer is physically fit
Performer is motivated
Skill is basic or closed
Advantages…
Reduces boredom
Allows recovery time
Develop ability to adapt skill to different situations
Disadvantages…
May not give enough time before moving on
Change could interfere with previous learning
Used when…
Performer are beginners
Skill is physically challenging or dangerous
Skill is complex or open

13. Selecting the right practice structure…
Probable practice structure
Skill Classification
Variable
Distributed
Open
Complex
High Organisation
Fixed
Massed
Closed
Basic
Low Organisation