What is match on action?

Match on action is an editing technique, where the shots are cut in time with the character's movements to show they are doing the same action in both shots. It is useful for continuity editing as it makes the film flow smoothly whilst giving emphasis on the actions without interruption.

Even though the two shots may be taken at different angles of the characters, the match on action editing technique gives the impression of continuous time rather than having little jumps within the finished film. Having an action continued from one shot to another creates a visual bridge, which can hide any continuity errors or distract the spectator from noticing the actual cut between the two shots.

For example, the two characters in shot 1 and shot 2 are shaking hands. In shot 2, the camera is cut from a close up of their hands to a longshot of the two characters which had carried on from the first shot, showing continuity and flow.