Which of the following characterizes an externally paced skill?

An externally paced skill is characterized by the timing of the skill being influenced by external factors, such as the actions of opponents, environmental conditions, or the competition. In sports, this means that the performer must react to events happening around them, which dictates when and how they execute the skill. For example, in a game of tennis, a player must time their shot based on when their opponent hits the ball, making it essential to be in tune with the external environment.

The other options do not accurately define an externally paced skill. While a performer might sometimes decide when to execute a skill, in an externally paced context, this decision is primarily influenced by external elements rather than being solely at the discretion of the performer. Although concentration is important in many skills, it is not a defining characteristic of externally paced skills. Additionally, while some externally paced skills may be complex, not all are; simplicity can coexist within external pacing depending on the context, so complexity cannot be universally applied.