Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Physical Education (1PE0) · Spec C2 2.1.1 and C2 2.1.2
Skill classification and types of practice
Read the notes, then try the questions. Each one is marked the moment you press Check, and shows the right answer and why.
Key ideas
- The open-closed continuum is about the environment. A closed skill is done in a predictable environment, such as a golf putt or a penalty kick. An open skill is done in a changing environment, such as a tackle.
- The basic-complex continuum is about how many decisions and how hard the skill is.
- The low-high organisation continuum is about how easily the skill splits into parts. A skill with parts that flow together, such as front crawl, is high organisation.
- Massed practice has no rests. Distributed practice has rests or changes of activity. Fixed practice repeats a skill in the same conditions, which suits closed skills. Variable practice changes the conditions, which suits open skills.
Key terms
- Open skill
- A skill done in an environment that changes.
- Closed skill
- A skill done in a predictable environment.
- High organisation
- The parts of the skill flow together and are hard to separate.
- Massed practice
- Practice with no rest between attempts.
- Distributed practice
- Practice with rests or changes of activity between attempts.
- Fixed practice
- Repeating a skill in the same conditions each time.
- Variable practice
- Practising a skill in changing conditions.
Common mistakes
- Mixing up the continua, such as using open-closed when the question asks about basic-complex.
- Describing fixed practice as 'no rests'. That is massed.
- Calling a football penalty open because there is a goalkeeper. The penalty is a closed skill.
Exam tip
For 'evaluate' on practice types, give an advantage and a disadvantage of each for the named performer, such as a tired beginner, then end with a judgement.
Free practice questions
7 questions, 9 marks. Answer, then press Check. The marking guide explains how the marks are worked out. Nothing is saved.
- Question 1 · Multiple choice[1 mark]
Which statement describes a closed skill?
- Question 2 · Multiple choice[1 mark]
Which practice type best suits a closed skill such as a golf putt?
- Question 3 · Multiple choice[1 mark]
Dan, 14, is a beginner who tires quickly at badminton. Which practice type suits him best?
- Question 4 · Fill the gaps[1 mark]
A skill performed in a predictable environment is a ___ skill.
Word bank: complex · basic · closed · open
- Question 5 · Matching[3 marks]
Match each continuum to what it describes.
- Question 6 · Multiple choice[1 mark]
Which of these is an open skill?
- Question 7 · True or false[1 mark]
True or false: distributed practice includes rests or a change of activity between attempts.