1. Higher National 6 Badminton
Skill Classification

2. Li:
To know how skills can be classified

3. Skill Classification
A skill tells you the purpose of the movement, E.g. “passing”.
A technique is the way of performing a skill, E.g. push pass, hit or reverse pass. The technique tells you “how” a pass was made.

4. Skill Classification
Skills may be described or analysed in terms of preparation, action and recovery phases (PAR).
This means looking at the beginning, middle and end of how a technique is performed.

5. Skill Classification Skills can be classified in different ways:
Closed/open
Simple/complex
Discrete/serial/continuous
You can use a continuum (scale) for each of these methods of classification

6. Closed/Open Skills Closed Open Closed
Skills that you are in charge of are classified as closed skills. There are few distractions or external factors to consider when executing the skill.
e.g. High serve practice – the player stands in the same position and starts in the same place with the shuttle
Open
Skills that you do not have control of and that are not predictable are classified as open skills. The timing of open skills depends on factors external to the performer
e.g. Clear – the flight, speed & position of the shuttle is different each time, the player’s & opponent’s position will be different each time

7. Simple/Complex Skills
Easy Skills Complex Skills
Few judgements to be made Many judgements
Undemanding Demanding
Little co-ordination needed Co-ordination vital
Simple movements Complicated movements
Easy environment Difficult environment
(no opposition)
For example:
Simple skill=set shot in basketball
Complex skill=lay up in basketball

8. Discrete/Serial/Continuous
Discrete Serial Continuous Discrete Skills with a distinct beginning and end. e.g. A skills in badminton Serial Skills consisting of several discrete skills with distinct parts, the order of which is very important. e.g. Long jump in athletics Continuous A skill with no clear beginning or end. As one cycle ends another begins, and this will be ongoing until the performer decides to end it. e.g. Running