Skill classification worksheet

Sports Coaching

A LEVEL PE

GCSE PE

Other Stuff:

Knapp's Skill Classification Worksheet

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Background knowledge:

Knapp’s Open/Closed Contiuum – Barbara Knapp recognised two basic classifications of skills. She suggested that skills can be placed on a continuum between open and closed.

OPEN <------------------------------------------------------------------> CLOSED

1) Place the following skills on the continuum above. Remember that because it is a continuum there is no absolute right or wrong answer. However, if you were to compare several people in the class, you should find that each one is in the same general area.

Golf swing
Tennis serve
Soccer penalty
Hockey goal keeping save
Tackle in soccer
Block in volleyball
Sprint start
Javelin Throw
1500m run

2) Practical task - take a soccer ball and set up one attacker against a goalkeeper (1 v 1)

The attacker is allowed to shoot from a penalty spot - is this mainly open or closed? How does it compare to the golf swing? Qualify your answer.
The attacker is now allowed to dribble from a set line 15m back. The goalkeeper is governed by the rules of the game. The attacker is only allowed to shoot once inside the area. - is ths more open or more closed than the skill in (a)?
Place all 3 skills on the continuum below. Remember to label with the skill a), b) or c)

OPEN <------------------------------------------------------------------> CLOSED

d) How could you make the skill even more open?

e) How could this knowledge be useful when developing skills in young people?