What are closed loop skills?

Closed loop skills are types of skills that allow for continuous, real-time feedback and adjustments during the performance of the skill. They are contrasted with open loop skills, where you perform an action and then receive feedback after a delay. Examples of closed loop skills include activities like running, where you can adjust your stride or pace while running based on how you feel or external feedback, or playing an instrument, where you continuously adjust your actions based on the sounds produced or a conductor's cues.

Andrew Huberman explains that in closed loop skills, you are able to adjust your behavior, such as the distance of your steps in running, your speed, or your posture, getting feedback on a moment-to-moment basis. This type of skill allows for a high level of practice per unit time because of the immediate feedback loop that helps in refining the skill as you perform it 1.