Ability is an inherited, stable trait that decides a person's potential to learn a skill. Balance and coordination are examples of abilities.

How does a skill differ from an ability?

A skill is learned through practice, while an ability is inherited. Skills are built on abilities, so good balance helps a gymnast learn a handstand.

Why are skills classified on a continuum rather than into fixed groups?

Most skills are not purely one type or the other. A continuum lets a skill be placed nearer one end according to its features.

What is a basic skill?

A basic skill is a simple movement that needs little concentration or decision making. Running and jumping are basic skills.

What is a complex skill?

A complex skill needs a lot of concentration, decision making and coordination. A somersault in gymnastics and a tumble turn in swimming are complex skills.

AQA GCSE Physical Education 8582

Applied Anatomy and Physiology

Topic overview Bones and the functions of the skeleton Joints, joint actions, ligaments and tendons Muscles and antagonistic pairs The pathway of air and gaseous exchange Blood vessels The heart, the cardiac cycle and cardiac output Mechanics of breathing and spirometer traces Aerobic and anaerobic exercise Recovery from exercise and EPOC Short- and long-term effects of exercise

Movement Analysis

Topic overview Lever systems and mechanical advantage Joint movements in sporting actions Planes and axes of movement

Physical Training

Topic overview Health, fitness and exercise Components of fitness Fitness tests and their data Principles of training Types of training Training intensities and one rep max Injury prevention, altitude training and training seasons Warm up and cool down

Use of Data

Topic overview Collecting and presenting data Analysing and evaluating data

Sports Psychology

Topic overview Classification of skills Goal setting and SMART targets Information processing Types of guidance Types of feedback Arousal, the inverted-U theory and stress management Aggression, personality and motivation

Socio-Cultural Influences

Topic overview Engagement patterns and participation in sport Commercialisation, sponsorship and the media Impacts of sponsorship, the media and technology Etiquette, sportsmanship and gamesmanship Performance-enhancing drugs and blood doping Spectator behaviour and hooliganism

Health, Fitness and Wellbeing

Topic overview Physical, emotional and social health and wellbeing Sedentary lifestyles and obesity Somatotypes Energy use and a balanced diet Nutrients and hydration

Sports Psychology

Classification of skills

3 things to know
Paper 2

Overview

Skill against ability, and the basic–complex, open–closed, self-paced–externally paced and gross–fine continua, with skills classified and justified.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started

Key term

How would a tennis serve and a rugby tackle be classified, with reasons?

Key term

What is a skill in sport?

Key term

What is ability?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
What is a skill in sport?
Model answer
A skill is a learned action intended to bring about a set result. A skilled movement is performed with maximum certainty and minimum time and energy.
2
What is ability?
Model answer
Ability is an inherited, stable trait that decides a person's potential to learn a skill. Balance and coordination are examples of abilities.
3
How does a skill differ from an ability?
Model answer
A skill is learned through practice, while an ability is inherited. Skills are built on abilities, so good balance helps a gymnast learn a handstand.
4
Why are skills classified on a continuum rather than into fixed groups?
Model answer
Most skills are not purely one type or the other. A continuum lets a skill be placed nearer one end according to its features.
5
What is a basic skill?
Model answer
A basic skill is a simple movement that needs little concentration or decision making. Running and jumping are basic skills.
6
What is a complex skill?
Model answer
A complex skill needs a lot of concentration, decision making and coordination. A somersault in gymnastics and a tumble turn in swimming are complex skills.

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Applied Anatomy and Physiology

Movement Analysis

Physical Training

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The ribs and the form the chest.

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AThe aerobic training zone of a 20-year-old is 120–160 bpm.

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CThe zone runs from 0.6 × 200 = 120 bpm to 0.8 × 200 = 160 bpm.

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Tendon means tough tissue attaching a muscle to a bone.

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