Types and Methods of Practice Flashcards
(30 cards)
The way practices are structured is crucial to optimise skill learning and development. Practice conditions may involve:
- Splitting the skill up into sub-routines
- Practising the skill as a whole
- Extension and repetition
- Frequent rest intervals
When is a the “part” method often used? (Fractionistion)
When the skill is low in organisation and can be split into sub-routines (fractionisation)
Used in teaching serial skills e.g triple jump
If the skill is complex- allows the performer to make sense of the skill and to achieve initial success with basic movements before progressing to the more complex movements
Useful in learning a dangerous skill e.g pole vault
Example of the “part” method
In practising the tennis serve, you might practise the backswing first before striking the ball
If a swimmer is finding the breathing action in a swimming stroke difficult they may practice it separately, using the float and practising the head lift for breathing
Advantage of the using the part method?
The performer can gain confidence by learning each element of the skill separately and then, when the separate parts are brought together, the performer will have better idea of the technique involved and be more confident of success
Useful for practising those aspects of a skill that are causing trouble in performance
What does the “whole” method involve?
The skill is taught without breaking it down into sub-routines or parts
Why should the whole method be employed more than any other, if possible?
As the player experiences the true “feel” for the skill and transfer from practice to the real situation is likely to be positive
Player is also likely to execute the skill fluently and can appreciate the relationships between each part of the movement
When is the whole method of teaching the best to use?
When the task is rapid in action because the components of skill interact closely with one another
Example of whole method?
The golf swing-
For the swing to be effective, the action must be practised as a whole because each part of the swing interacts closely with the next
If a motor programme, like a golf swing, is to be built up, it is also better to practice the movement as a whole
What is a motor programme?
A generalised series of movements stored in long-term memory and retrieved by a single decision
What does whole-part-whole practise involve?
The performer firstly attempting the whole skill, then practising the skills in parts/sub-routine and then putting them back together again to practice as a whole
What is whole-part-whole method particularly suited to?
Serial skills or those with low organisation when sub-routines have distinct features, such as those in triple jump or a basketball lay-up shot
Advantages of whole-part-whole method?
Coaches can use this method to recognise the strengths and weaknesses in a performance and then to construct separate practices that will correct errors and reinforce the correct movements
The performer will also get some of the “feel” or fluency of the skill to start with to appreciate the kinesthesis involved
Practical example of whole-part-whole method?
- a basketball player may try a complete lay-up shot
- the player will then reflect and receive feedback from the coach
- then practices separate parts of skill such as take-off
- then completes skill as a whole again
What is progressive-part method (segmentation) often referred as?
Chaining
What is chaining?
A serial skill is often broken down into its sub-routines, which then can be seen as links of a chain
What does progressive part method involve?
The performer learns one link at a time, and then a second link. The two links are then practised together, and then a third link and then further links, until the links can be practised together as a whole
Advantages of progressive part method?
The learner of the skill can get the idea of the complete movement and understand the relationships between the various components and sub-routines
Method is useful for helping the lperformer to remember the links between sub-routines of skills.
What does massed practice involve?
Very short, or with no rest intervals within the practice session
It’s is a continuous practice period
What does distributed practice involve?
Relatively long rests between trials.
What can the ‘rest’ intervals be used for in distributed practice?
Could involve tasks that are unrelated to the main practice activity
Also may be used for feedback on that particular practice
Or to practise mental rehearsal
What is a disadvantage of massed practice?
It can lead to poor performance and hinder the learning process because of fatigue and demotivation
Why is distributed practise best for tasks that are potentially dangerous?
Because it ensures that physical and mental fatigue does not negatively affect the performance and put the performer in danger
What type of skills are best learned through distributed practice and why?
Continuous skills because the player rapidly becomes tired
What does fixed practice involve?
A stable and predictable practice, where practice conditions remain the same
