Which type of motor skills would require an athlete to react to a rapidly moving ball?

The correct answer is open motor skills. Open motor skills are characterized by the need for the athlete to respond to unpredictable and changing environments, such as a rapidly moving ball. These skills are often performed in dynamic situations where variables like timing, location, and speed can change, requiring quick reactions and adaptability.

In contrast, closed motor skills are executed in stable, predictable environments and do not require the performer to adapt to changing circumstances. This makes them less applicable in scenarios involving moving objects, such as in sports where the player must react to an opponent’s actions or the trajectory of a ball.

Gross motor skills involve large muscle movements and are typically associated with overall body coordination, such as running or jumping, but they can be either open or closed depending on context. Discrete motor skills consist of distinct beginning and end points, like throwing or kicking a ball, but do not inherently address the reactive requirement in changing environments.

Thus, open motor skills are the most appropriate choice for scenarios requiring the athlete to respond to a rapidly moving ball, as they demand quick thinking, adaptability, and response to external stimuli.