Types of Motor Skills to Know for Motor Learning and Control

Motor skills are essential for everyday activities and sports, impacting our physical development and coordination. Understanding the different types—like gross, fine, discrete, and continuous skills—helps us improve performance and adapt to various environments in motor learning and control.

1. Gross motor skills

   • Involve large muscle groups and whole-body movements.
   • Examples include running, jumping, and swimming.
   • Essential for overall physical development and coordination.

2. Fine motor skills

   • Involve smaller muscle groups and precise movements.
   • Examples include writing, sewing, and playing a musical instrument.
   • Critical for tasks requiring hand-eye coordination and dexterity.

3. Discrete skills

   • Have a clear beginning and end.
   • Examples include throwing a ball or hitting a target.
   • Often involve a single, specific movement or action.

4. Continuous skills

   • Do not have a distinct beginning or end; they are repetitive.
   • Examples include running, cycling, and swimming.
   • Typically involve sustained effort over time.

5. Serial skills

   • Comprise a series of discrete movements performed in a sequence.
   • Examples include gymnastics routines or playing a piano piece.
   • Require coordination and timing to execute the sequence effectively.

6. Open skills

   • Performed in unpredictable environments where conditions change.
   • Examples include team sports like soccer or basketball.
   • Require adaptability and quick decision-making.

7. Closed skills

   • Executed in stable, predictable environments.
   • Examples include archery or bowling.
   • Focus on consistency and technique, as external factors are minimal.

8. Self-paced skills

   • The performer controls the timing and execution of the skill.
   • Examples include golf swings or free throws in basketball.
   • Allow for planning and preparation before execution.

9. Externally-paced skills

   • Timing and execution are influenced by external factors or opponents.
   • Examples include sprinting in a race or responding to a pitch in baseball.
   • Require quick reactions and adjustments based on the environment.

10. Ballistic skills

    • Involve a rapid, forceful movement that is often initiated and then completed without further adjustment.
    • Examples include throwing, kicking, or striking.
    • Focus on maximum force and speed, with minimal control after the initial action.