types of practice

Question 1

what is massed practice?

Answer 1

continuous practice with no rests between sessions
used when the skill is closed, discrete and simple
there are unlikely to be many changes and numerous repetitions can be done

Question 2

advantages of massed practice:

Answer 2

1) promotes fitness so performer can cope with extended demands of the task
2) makes the skill automatic
3) efficient use of coach and player time

Question 3

disadvantages of massed practice:

Answer 3

1) can cause fatigue
2) danger of negative transfer unless practice conditions are similar to the real game
3) motivation can be lost

Question 4

what is distributed practice?

Answer 4

involves rest intervals between sessions
should be used when the skill is continuous when the performer may need a break and the skill is open, complex or externally paces

Question 5

advantages of distributed practice:

Answer 5

1) takes pressure off the performer
2) allows recuperation after tough sessions
3) good for beginners - allows controlled progress to be made at the pace of the performer

Question 6

disadvantages of distributed practice:

Answer 6

1) time consuming - should only be used when sessions aren’t tight for time
2) may not be useful for expert performers who wish to over learn skills
3) danger of negative transfer at the rest interval

Question 7

what is varied practice?

Answer 7

team sports often change drills and type of practice so players can adapt to changes in the environment
should be used when the skill is open, externally paces and continuous

Question 8

advantages of varied practice:

Answer 8

1) allows players to adapt their skills to changing environments
2) variety prevents players becoming stale & increases motivation
3) helps build sub-routines

Question 9

disadvantages of varied practice:

Answer 9

1) often time consuming
2) may lead to negative transfer
3) may place too many pressures on performer if given too many things to focus on

Question 10

what is mental practice?

Answer 10

the performer goes through the performance in their mind without the movement - either before an event or during training

Question 11

benefits of mental practice:

Answer 11

1) improves confidence/lowers anxiety
2) stimulates muscle receptors so players better prepared & decreases reaction time
3) can be done whilst players are injured - maintains memory of skill

Question 12

benefits of mental practice for beginners:

Answer 12

1) should be kept short
2) key parts of task is emphasised
3) used to lower arousal/anxiety

Question 13

benefits of mental practice for advanced players:

Answer 13

1) can improve reaction time
2) activates muscles
3) helps performers stay in automated phase of learning

Question 14

benefits of mental practice for expert players:

Answer 14

1) helps specify tactics
2) helps highlight key strategies
- whole training sessions can be devoted to mental practice