What characterizes open skills in a physical training context?

Open skills are characterized by occurring in unpredictable and frequently changing environments. This is because these skills require the performer to constantly adapt and respond to dynamic situations as they unfold, which is typical in sports and activities that involve interaction with opponents or varying conditions. For example, in team sports like soccer or basketball, the actions of teammates and opponents create variable circumstances that athletes must navigate in real-time.

In contrast, skills performed in a stable environment, such as those found in controlled settings or individual sports, do not require the same level of adaptability. Similarly, while some skills may be performed at varying speeds, the essence of open skills lies in their context of unpredictability. Furthermore, the notion that they require no specific technique undermines the idea of skill development, as even open skills require refined techniques tailored to the varying scenarios encountered.