A self-paced skill is one where a performer has control over when they perform it. For example,
• a high-jumper controls when they begin their routine, how quickly they run and the point at which they begin the jump
• a penalty taker in rugby decides when to begin their run and when to kick the ball.
An externally-paced skill is one where external factors determine when the skill is performed. Often these external factors are other competitors. For example,
• a defensive intercept in netball can only be executed when an opponent throws the ball
• a routine in fi gure skating, where the skater’s routine is in time to the music.
Self-paced skills tend to be on the closed end of the spectrum. However this is not always the case – for instance the start of the 200m sprint is externally paced (depends on the starter’s gun) but the launch off the starting blocks is largely a closed skill.