Methods of Practice

Question 1

massed practice

Answer 1

• practice repetitive
• no rest breaks
• e.g. continuous shots in basketball

Question 2

strengths of massed practice

Answer 2

• helps groove/overlearn skill
• helps to form s-r bonds
  good for:
• discrete skills
• simple/short duration skills
• autonomous phase
• experienced/motivated performers

Question 3

limitations of massed practice

Answer 3

• can be too exhausting
• can cause drive reduction/mental fatigue
• errors could increase due to repetitive + continuous nature of practice
• can lead to chronic or overuse injuries

Question 4

distributed practice

Answer 4

• practice is in short bursts
• regular rest intervals
• e.g. sprinting/swimming

Question 5

strengths of distributed practice

Answer 5

• time for rest, reinforcement and feedback
• helps s-r bonds form
  good for:
• high energy continuous skills
• complex, dangerous skills
• cognitive stage of learning
• helps understanding at cognitive stage

Question 6

limitations of distributed practice

Answer 6

• rest breaks may disjoint practice so learning hinidered
• hard to regain intensity/ concentration after break
• long frequent breaks demotivating

Question 7

varied practice

Answer 7

• changes regularly
• diff environments and situations
• diff activities performed in diff ways
• e.g. passing in hockey

Question 8

strengths of varied practice

Answer 8

• stimulates motivation and interest
• helps transfer of skills
• helps to form s-r bonds
  good for:
• open skills
• autonomous stage
• skills already learnt via fixed practice

Question 9

limitations of varied practice

Answer 9

• skills must be learned in fixed practice first
• too many stimuli causes overload
• confusing for cognitive learners
• not effective in grooving/overlearning skills
• effective motor programme may not be developed

Question 10

fixed practice

Answer 10

• stays the same
• environment + situation doesn’t change
• practice repeated in same environment
• e.g. javelin throw

Question 11

strengths of fixed practice

Answer 11

• helps groove/overlearn skill
• can perfect skill
• helps form s-r bonds
  good for:
• closed skills
• cognitive phase
• developing motor programmes/ competition replicated

Question 12

limitations of fixed practice

Answer 12

• bad for open skills
• may become boring
• doesn’t prepare for game situation
• can cause drive reduction
• leads to chronic/overuse injuries