Psychomotor ability
An ability involving processing information and coordinating movement. Example: reaction time.
Pacing
The timing or rate at which a skill is performed.
Internal pacing
When the performer controls the timing of the movement. Example: a gymnast starting a routine.
External pacing
When timing is controlled by outside factors. Example: returning a tennis serve.
Difficulty continuum
Classifying skills by how hard they are to perform.
Simple skill
A skill with few decisions and little information to process. Example: sprint start.
Complex skill
A skill requiring lots of information processing and decision-making. Example: a football pass under pressure.
Organisation continuum
Classifying skills by whether they can be broken into parts.
Low organisation skill
A skill with clear parts that can be practised separately. Example: triple jump phases.
High organisation skill
A skill where parts are closely linked and should be practised as a whole. Example: cycling action.
Continuity continuum
Classifying skills by whether they have a clear beginning and end.
Discrete skill
A skill with a clear start and finish. Example: a golf putt.
Serial skill
A group of discrete skills linked together. Example: a gymnastics routine.
Continuous skill
A skill with no obvious beginning or end. Example: swimming.
Muscular involvement continuum
Classifying skills by the size of muscle groups used.
