Skill Acquisition 1

Which of the following is the BEST example of a fine, closed, discrete motor skill?

• Throwing a dart at a target
• Passing a ball in netball
• Performing a gymnastics floor routine
• Swimming freestyle
• Kicking a soccer ball on the run

Answer explanation

Throwing a dart uses small muscle groups (fine), is performed in a stable environment (closed), and has a clear beginning and end (discrete).

Fundamental movement skills (FMS) differ internationally. Which factor BEST explains these differences?

• The environmental and cultural context in which skills are performed
• The age group most commonly studied
• The order in which skills are taught in schools
• The popularity of certain sports globally
• The universal list determined by the IOC

Answer explanation

Different countries identify FMS differently due to cultural and environmental contexts (e.g. ice/snow skills in Canada but not Australia).

Which of the following BEST illustrates a serial skill?

• The triple jump in athletics
• Swimming 200m freestyle
• Shooting an arrow in archery
• Kicking a penalty in soccer
• Juggling three balls continuously

Answer explanation

The triple jump combines a series of discrete movements (hop, step, jump) into a longer sequence, classifying it as serial.

When determining whether a skill is open or closed, which three criteria must be considered?

• Stability of environment, pacing, inter-trial variability
• Performer fatigue, muscle recruitment, attention demands
• Precision of movement, duration of skill, performer’s control
• Internal motivation, concentration, accuracy
• Muscle size, stability of base, speed of movement

Answer explanation

The Study Design specifies the three criteria: stability of environment, pacing, and inter-trial variability.

Which of the following skills would be placed furthest toward the “open” end of the continuum?

• Passing a hockey ball during match play
• Performing a gymnastics vault
• Taking a free throw in basketball
• Driving a golf ball from a tee
• Tenpin bowling indoors

Answer explanation

Hockey passing is highly open due to environmental unpredictability, external pacing, and high inter-trial variability.

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental movement skill according to the Australian Sports Commission?

• Performing a cartwheel
• Running
• Catching
• Jumping
• Kicking

Answer explanation

Cartwheeling is not classified as an FMS by the ASC, unlike running, catching, jumping, and kicking.

Why should coaches initially “close down” open skills for beginners?

• To reduce environmental demands so learners can focus on movement components
• To make practice more competitive and game-like
• To improve fitness while learning
• To replicate professional performance conditions
• To increase inter-trial variability early

Answer explanation

Beginners benefit from reduced complexity; a closed environment allows them to focus on technique before progressing to open conditions.

Which skill combination BEST demonstrates the link between FMS and sport-specific skills?

• Running, jumping, catching → High mark in AFL
• Swimming, cycling, running → Triathlon
• Passing, dribbling, shooting → Basketball
• Rolling, cartwheeling, tumbling → Gymnastics routine
• Punching, footwork, blocking → Boxing

Answer explanation

A high mark requires well-developed FMS (running, jumping, catching) that combine into a sport-specific AFL skill.

Which of the following is the MOST accurate classification of batting off a T-stand in baseball?

• Closed, gross, discrete
• Open, fine, serial
• Closed, fine, continuous
• Open, gross, continuous
• Closed, gross, continuous

Answer explanation

The environment is stable (closed), the skill uses large muscle groups (gross), and the action has a clear beginning/end (discrete).

Which scenario BEST represents a continuous motor skill?

• Pedalling a bike during a 20 km ride
• Serving a tennis ball
• Performing a long jump
• Completing a trampoline routine
• Passing a football

Answer explanation

Cycling involves repetitive, ongoing movements with no clear beginning or end, making it continuous.