The Clasification Of Motor

Skills

Learning outcomes:
• Explains classification according to the size of muscle
motor skills, accuracy acting and environment
• Listing examples of movements based on the
classification of motor skills
• Associating with the classification of motor skills in a
sports game.

roshdan ahmad jabatan sains senam

17/11/20 fakulti sains sukan & kejurulatihan UPSI 1
 1. Size of primary musculature required
- large and small muscles
Two categories:
a. Gross motor skills - require the use of large
musculature to achieve the goal of the skills
e.g. walking, jumping
b. Fine motor skills - require control of small muscles to
achieve the goal of the skill
e.g. skills involving hand/eye coordination

The benefit of a continuum approach to skill classification

• Some motor skills involve both types to achieve the
action goal and would be located between the two
points
roshdan ahmad jabatan sains senam
17/11/20 fakulti sains sukan & kejurulatihan UPSI 2
 2. Specificity of Where Actions Begin or End

Two main categories:

a. Discrete motor skills - specified beginning and

end points, usually require a simple movement,
control by movement
e.g. forward roll in gymnastic

b. Continuous motor skills - arbitrary beginning and

end points; usually involve repetitive movements,
decide by performer
e.g. running
roshdan ahmad jabatan sains senam
17/11/20 fakulti sains sukan & kejurulatihan UPSI 3
 2. Specificity of Where Actions Begin or End

Combination category

Serial motor skills

Involve a continuous series of discrete skills
e.g. high jump, 10m platform jump

roshdan ahmad jabatan sains senam

17/11/20 fakulti sains sukan & kejurulatihan UPSI 4
 3. Stability of the Environmental Context
Two main concepts:

a. Closed motor skills – involve a stationary

supporting surface, object, and/or other people;
performer determines when to begin the action
e.g. gymnastic, free throw in basketball
b. Open motor skill – involve supporting surface,
object, and/or other people in motion;
environment features determines when to begin
the action
e.g. catching a thrown ball

roshdan ahmad jabatan sains senam

17/11/20 fakulti sains sukan & kejurulatihan UPSI 5