Methods of practice

Question 1

Imagery/visualisation

Answer 1

Athlete visualises them self performing a skill without actually performing it.
Mental practice can improve performance BUT it cannot replace physical practice

Question 2

Mental practice

Answer 2

Cognitive = thinking about strategies + tactics help the learner make the correct decision
Neuromuscular = causes muscular neurones to react as if the muscle is actually active.
Confidence = improves as the performer concentrates on successful + correct performances.

Question 3

Fixed practice

Answer 3

Closed conditions = activities repeated
Used when learning closed skills

Question 4

Advantages of fixed practice

Answer 4

Promotes over-learning
Repetitive practice allows skills to be mastered

Question 5

Disadvantages of fixed practice

Answer 5

Doesn’t prepare performers for when things go wrong

Question 6

Variable practice

Answer 6

Range of skills relating to the performance
Used when learning open skills = decision-making + interaction involved

Question 7

Advantages of variable practice

Answer 7

Practise in situations that are more realistic to their sporting activity
Whole activity practised

Question 8

Disadvantages of variable practice

Answer 8

Difficult to simulate competitive scenarios

Question 9

Massed practice

Answer 9

Practicing a skill repeatedly over an extended period of time until it is mastered
Used when learning simple skills + performer is experienced

Question 10

Advantages of massed practice

Answer 10

Good for mastering skills
Practice time is short
Good for learning skills of short duration

Question 11

Disadvantages of massed practice

Answer 11

Can lead to boredom and fatigue

Question 12

Distributed practice

Answer 12

Includes intervals for rest or mental rehearsal
Used when learning a new/complex skill
Used for performers with low motivation

Question 13

Advantages of distributed practice

Answer 13

Provides time to recover physically and mentally
Good for potentially dangerous situations

Question 14

Disadvantages of distributed practice

Answer 14

Unsuitable for complex skills

Question 15

Whole practice

Answer 15

Skill is taught without breaking it down into parts or sub-routines
Used when the skill is continuous

Question 16

Advantages of whole practice

Answer 16

Learner experiences the true ‘feel’ of the movement
Good for learning serial + complex skills.
Learner will learn timing of the whole movement.
Learning can be quicker

Question 17

Disadvantages of whole practice

Answer 17

Not suitable for learners who can only process small amounts of information

Question 18

Part practice

Answer 18

Skill is split up into sub-routines
Each part is practices separately

Question 19

Advantages of part practice

Answer 19

Performer can focus on a particular part of a skill to improve their overall performance of the skill.
Beneficial when learning complex or dangerous skills.

Question 20

Disadvantages of part practice

Answer 20

Breaking the skill down is time-consuming + takes longer to learn or improve performance of skills

Question 21

Part-progressive practice

Answer 21

Different components put together to make up the whole performance —> e.g. a dance routine
Used when skill is low in organisation + for learning serial + complex skills
Linked to the early stages of learning

Question 22

Advantages of part-progressive practice

Answer 22

Early success
Learner can focus on particular parts of the skill

Question 23

Disadvantages of part-progressive practice

Answer 23

Difficulty in putting parts altogether
Reduces kinaesthetic awareness