Discrete, serial and continuous skills
Serial Skills
Serial skills involves a number of separate discrete skill performed in a specific sequence, which creates one larger activity. Serial skills can be more difficult to learn than discrete skills as separate skills must be coordinated into the correct and effective pattern to achieve the movement required. Serial skills are the most difficult to learn due to the need to coordinate separate skills into an effective pattern. An example of a serial skill is a javelin throw. While simply throwing a javelin can be classified as a discreet skill, a javelin throw where the run up, release and follow though is performed in a sequence can be classified as a serial skill. Other examples of serial skills include bowling in cricket and a place kick in football. |
Discrete Skills
Discrete skills have a clear, definite and identifiable beginning and end. Discrete skills are simple, well designed movements such as throwing and kicking a ball, a shot put, discus or javelin throw, or a somersault. |
Continuous Skills
Continuous skills have no distinct, identifiable bringing or end. The skill is repeated continuously unbroken with the beginning and end of the skill being determined by the performer, opposed to the skill itself. Continuous skills tend to be learnt the fastest due to their repetitive nature. Examples of continuous skills include swimming, jogging, skipping and walking. |