Skill classification systems are based on the view that motor skills are affected by three factors:

how precise a movement is

whether the movement has a definite beginning and end

whether the environment affects the performance of the skill

The Gross and Fine Continuum (Davis 2000)

This continuum is concerned with the precision of movement - gross and fine skills.

Gross skills: involve large muscle movements which are not very precise and include many fundamental movement patterns such as walking, running and jumping. The shot putt is an example of a primarily gross skill.

Fine skills: involve intricate precise movements using small muscle groups and generally involve high levels of hand-eye coordination. A snooker shot or playing the piano are examples of fine skills.

The Open and Closed Continuum (Galligan 2000)

This continuum is concerned with the effects of the environment on skills (Knapp 1967)