Types Of Practice Flashcards
What is massed practice?
Continuous, with no rest intervals during the practice session
Advantages of massed practice
Promotes fitness
Practicing the skill without breaks makes the skill become almost automatic so fixed responses become habitual
Motor programmes can be stored easily
Efficient use of time
Disadvantages of massed practice
Fatigue
Danger of injury
Danger of negative transfer unless coach makes it realistic to game situations
Performer requires high levels of motivation
What is distributed practice?
Rest intervals are given during the practice session
Advantages of distributed practice
Takes the pressure off the performer and allows some recuperation during rest periods
Good for beginners as break periods allow feedback from coach
Performer can use mental practice during break
May offer motivation when praise is given by coach in rest period
Disadvantages of distributed practice
Time consuming
May not be useful for expert players who wish to over learn their skills
Danger of negative transfer if coach fails to integrate the practice session
What is varied practice?
Changing the practice type and the practice drills
Advantages of varied practice
Allows players to adapt their skills to changing environments
Very appropriate for open skills
Helps with motivation and reduces boredom
Disadvantages of varied practice
Time consuming
Increases risk of negative transfer unless changing drills are integrated into the aims of the practice session
May place unnecessary demands on the players if they are given too many things to focus on
Risk of fatigue and injury due to high intensity
What is mental practice?
Going over the skill in the mind without movement
Advantages of mental practice
Improves confidence and lowers anxiety
Stimulates muscle receptors so player is better prepared and reaction times are increased
Develops cognitive ability and improves decision making
Can be done when player is injured, helping to maintain memory of the skill
