Types of practice

Question 1

Massed practice

Answer 1

When the performer practices continuously with no breaks

Question 2

Distributed practice

Answer 2

When the session is broken down into smaller time blocks, with rest periods

Question 3

Mental practice

Answer 3

The performer goes over the moment or skill in the head of mind without physically moving

Question 4

Varied practice

Answer 4

Changing the practice type and the practice drills

Question 5

Advantages of massed practice

Answer 5

+ Useful for continuous skills
+ Useful for those with high fitness and motivation, can also be used to increase fitness
+ Allows motor programmes to be stored

Question 6

Disadvantages of massed practice

Answer 6

• can become repetitive and tedious
• Hard to focus for long periods
• Should not be used with dangerousskills

Question 7

Advantages of distributed practice

Answer 7

+ Useful for those with low fitness and motivation
+ Useful for discrete skills and
complex skills
+ Allows time for coaching and mental rehearsal

Question 8

Disadvantages of distributed practice

Answer 8

• Time consuming

Question 9

Advantages of Mental practice

Answer 9

+ Builds confidence through
visualising success
+ Controls arousal/anxiety
+ Can be completed when injured

Question 10

Disadvantages of mental practice

Answer 10

• Not as useful as physical practice when used alone
• Limited effect for simple skills

Question 11

Advantages of Varied practice

Answer 11

+ Best for open skills
+ Improves selective attention
+ More enjoyable/interesting, so
increases motivation
+ Develops decision making and
schema

Question 12

Disadvantages of Varied practice

Answer 12

• Time consuming
• Risk of negative transfer with
  changing practice