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HMS, BM 2025 HSC 6 MC

A golfer is practising hitting the ball.

Which of the following best describes the nature of the skill?

  1. Fine, discrete and self-paced
  2. Gross, discrete and self-paced
  3. Fine, serial and externally paced
  4. Gross, serial and externally paced
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\(B\)

Show Worked Solution
  • B is correct: A golf swing uses large muscle groups, has clear beginning/end, controlled by performer’s timing.

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Fine motor skills involve small muscles; golf requires large muscle coordination.
  • C is incorrect: Serial skills link multiple actions; golf swing is single distinct movement.
  • D is incorrect: Externally paced means environment controls timing; golfer controls swing initiation.

♦♦ Mean mark 44%.

HMS, BM 2012 HSC 14 MC

What type of skill is a defensive player performing when executing a tackle during a game?

  1. Closed and self-paced
  2. Closed and externally paced
  3. Open and externally paced
  4. Open and self-paced
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\(C\)

Show Worked Solution
  • C is correct: Tackling is open (unpredictable environment) and externally paced (opponent timing).

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Tackling involves unpredictable opponents, not closed predictable environment.
  • B is incorrect: Tackling is open skill due to changing game conditions.
  • D is incorrect: Tackle timing depends on opponent movements, not self-pacing.

HMS, BM 2015 HSC 2 MC

An individual is required to perform a discrete, open and externally paced skill.

Which of the following would meet this description?

  1. Putting in golf
  2. Running 800 m
  3. Throwing a discus
  4. Returning a tennis serve
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\(D\)

Show Worked Solution
  • D is correct: Tennis serve return is discrete, open and externally paced.

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Golf putting is closed and self-paced skill.
  • B is incorrect: Running 800m is continuous rather than discrete.
  • C is incorrect: Discus throwing is closed and self-paced skill.

HMS, BM 2017 HSC 9 MC

What is the nature of the skill required by a dart thrower?

  1. Open, self-paced
  2. Open, externally paced
  3. Closed, externally paced
  4. Closed, self-paced
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\(D\)

Show Worked Solution
  • D is correct: Dart throwing is closed (predictable environment) and self-paced (performer controls timing).

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Dart throwing occurs in a predictable environment, making it closed.
  • B is incorrect: Environment is predictable (closed) and performer controls timing (self-paced).
  • C is incorrect: Dart thrower controls when to throw, making it self-paced.

HMS, BM 2019 HSC 6 MC

Which of the following could be classified as a discrete, closed and self-paced skill?

  1. Running 800 m
  2. Batting in cricket
  3. Pitching in softball
  4. Defending a penalty shot in hockey
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\(C\)

Show Worked Solution
  • C is correct: Pitching is discrete (clear beginning/end), closed (predictable environment), self-paced (pitcher controls timing).

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Running 800m is continuous, not discrete.
  • B is incorrect: Batting is open (unpredictable bowler) and externally paced.
  • D is incorrect: Defending is open (unpredictable shooter) and externally paced.

♦ Mean mark 55%.

HMS, BM 2020 HSC 6 MC

Which of the following best describes the nature of the skill when an athlete performs a long jump?

  1. Open, self-paced, gross
  2. Open, externally paced, continuous
  3. Closed, self-paced, gross
  4. Closed, externally paced, continuous
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\(C\)

Show Worked Solution
  • C is correct: Predictable environment, athlete controls timing, uses large muscle groups.

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Long jump occurs in predictable not unpredictable environment.
  • B is incorrect: Athlete controls timing and skill is discrete not continuous.
  • D is incorrect: Athlete controls timing and skill is discrete not continuous.

♦♦ Mean mark 44%.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 562

Compare and contrast self-paced and externally paced skills, using examples from individual and team sports to illustrate your answer.   (5 marks)

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Sample Answer

  • Self-paced skills such as a golf swing allow the performer complete control over when to initiate the movement, whereas externally paced skills like a football goalkeeper saving a penalty must respond to external timing dictated by the opponent’s actions.
  • Learning progression typically occurs more rapidly with self-paced skills as beginners can concentrate fully on technique without time pressure, which explains why novice golfers can develop basic putting skills more quickly than novice tennis players can master returning serves.
  • The psychological pressure differs significantly, with self-paced skills creating potential for overthinking and anxiety during pre-performance routines, as evident in elite golfers who sometimes experience “yips” when putting, whereas externally paced skills create pressure through required rapid decision-making.
  • Practice methods differ, with self-paced skills benefiting from consistent repetition focusing on technique refinement, while externally paced skills require variable practice conditions that develop reaction time and anticipation.
  • In team sports, players must often transition between self-paced skills (like a free kick in soccer) and externally paced skills (like intercepting a pass), requiring adaptable attentional focus and timing capabilities that elite athletes develop through specialised training.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

  • Self-paced skills such as a golf swing allow the performer complete control over when to initiate the movement, whereas externally paced skills like a football goalkeeper saving a penalty must respond to external timing dictated by the opponent’s actions.
  • Learning progression typically occurs more rapidly with self-paced skills as beginners can concentrate fully on technique without time pressure, which explains why novice golfers can develop basic putting skills more quickly than novice tennis players can master returning serves.
  • The psychological pressure differs significantly, with self-paced skills creating potential for overthinking and anxiety during pre-performance routines, as evident in elite golfers who sometimes experience “yips” when putting, whereas externally paced skills create pressure through required rapid decision-making.
  • Practice methods differ, with self-paced skills benefiting from consistent repetition focusing on technique refinement, while externally paced skills require variable practice conditions that develop reaction time and anticipation.
  • In team sports, players must often transition between self-paced skills (like a free kick in soccer) and externally paced skills (like intercepting a pass), requiring adaptable attentional focus and timing capabilities that elite athletes develop through specialised training.