What is a continuous skill?

A continuous skill is characterized by its repetitive nature, where movements are performed without a distinct beginning or end. This type of skill is typically seen in activities like swimming, running, or cycling, where the motion flows smoothly and continuously over time.

The essence of continuous skills lies in their seamless execution, which contrasts with skills that have clear start and finish points or those that require specific, isolated actions to complete. This ongoing movement enables a performer to maintain momentum and rhythm, making it integral to achieving proficiency in such activities.

In contrast, skills that involve a clear beginning and end tend to fall into the category of discrete skills, while the combination of several discrete skills refers to a different classification altogether, known as serial skills. Focusing on the initiation by the performer is not a defining characteristic of continuous skills, as the flow of motion in these activities is what truly defines them.