AQA · A-Level · Physical Education
Course version: 7582 · Version from Sept 2016
Skill, skill continuums and transfer of skills: Use of skill continua.
Skill continua are sliding scales used to classify skills by characteristics rather than fixed categories.
Checked against the AQA 7582 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 14
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Skill continua are sliding scales used to classify skills by characteristics rather than fixed categories. The six continua are open to closed (environmental influence), gross to fine (muscle groups), discrete to serial to continuous (clear beginning and end), externally paced to self-paced (timing control), simple to complex (decision-making demands), and high to low organisation (separability of sub-routines). For example, a rugby pass in open play is open, gross, externally paced, complex and low organisation. Using continua allows accurate analysis of a skill so appropriate practice and feedback can be selected. In multiple-choice questions, you must match a skill to its correct position on a continuum and justify that placement.
What earns the marks
- Continua classify skills on sliding scales rather than fixed categories.
- Open to closed relates to environmental influence; gross to fine relates to muscle group size.
- Discrete, serial and continuous relates to the skill's beginning and end; externally paced to self-paced relates to timing control.
- Simple to complex relates to decision-making demands; high to low organisation relates to separating sub-routines.
- Correct classification helps select suitable practice, feedback and transfer strategies.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Treating continua as fixed categories.
Put it right: A skill can sit anywhere along the scale and may change position depending on the situation.
Confusing simple-complex with high-low organisation.
Put it right: Simple-complex is about decision-making, while high-low organisation is about separating sub-routines.
Mixing up pacing: externally paced skills are timed by the environment or opponents, while self-paced skills are timed by the performer.
Exam tips
- Identify the specific continuum named in the question before judging the skill.
- Justify the placement by referring to the defining feature of that continuum, such as environmental influence, timing, or sub-routines.
- Eliminate options that place the skill at an extreme without supporting evidence from the scenario.
Try the lesson
The start of the Skill, skill continuums and transfer of skills: Use of skill continua. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
A coach classifies a gymnast's vault as a closed skill. Which feature of the vault best supports that classification?
Listen
Skill continua are sliding scales used to classify skills by characteristics rather than fixed categories. The six continua are open to closed (environmental influence), gross to fine (muscle groups), discrete to serial to continuous (clear beginning and end), externally paced to self-paced (timing control), simple to complex (decision-making demands), and high to low organisation (separability of sub-routines). For example, a rugby pass in open play is open, gross, externally paced, complex and low organisation. Using continua allows accurate analysis of a skill so appropriate practice and feedback can be selected. In multiple-choice questions, you must match a skill to its correct position on a continuum and justify that placement. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Continua classify skills on sliding scales rather than fixed categories. Open to closed relates to environmental influence; gross to fine relates to muscle group size. Discrete, serial and continuous relates to the skill's beginning and end; externally paced to self-paced relates to timing control. Simple to complex relates to decision-making demands; high to low organisation relates to separating sub-routines. Exam tip: Identify the specific continuum named in the question before judging the skill.
See it
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Classification of skills
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Simple and complex skills
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High and low organisation
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Pacing and continuity
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See every definition
- Classification of skills
- Continua classify skills on sliding scales rather than fixed categories, allowing accurate analysis of a skill so appropriate practice and feedback can be selected.
- Simple and complex skills
- This continuum relates to decision-making demands, and it must not be confused with high-low organisation, which is about separating sub-routines.
- High and low organisation
- This continuum relates to the separability of sub-routines, and it must not be confused with simple-complex, which is about decision-making.
- Pacing and continuity
- Externally paced to self-paced relates to timing control, while discrete, serial and continuous relates to the skill's beginning and end.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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