Classification of Motor Skills
Skill Description Examples
Classification
Fine Motor Coordinated use of small muscle groups Writing
Muscular Effort
Skills Small amount of force used Shooting
Delicate, precise movement Wrist spin
Control of “touch”
Gross Motor Involves a combination of large muscle Running
Skills groups Throwing
Great amount of force exerted Kicking
Combined actions in a coordinated
movement
Discrete Skill Single movement with a distinct Football kick
beginning and end Netball throw
Type of movement
Usually of short duration Tennis serve
Continuous Skill The performer determines the beginning Swimming
and end point of the movement. The task Running
itself has no distinct beginning and end
Serial Skill Discrete skills performed in a sequence Gymnastics
that creates a continuous performance routine
Mark, play on,
bounce and
kick for goal
Closed Skill Skill performed in a predictable Archery
environment Ten pin
*refer to Table 1.3 p12
Few variables, if any bowling
Environment
Constant environment/ replication of Practicing a
skill basketball free
throw
Open Skill Environment is more variable and Team sports
unpredictable Surfing
Skill performed in a constantly changing
environment
Externally paced
Adaptation of skill required