Types of practice Flashcards
Appropriate practice
- A coach must decide on the most appropriate type of practice to ensure learning occurs, motivation is kept high and fatigue does not limit performance.
What are the 4 types of practice?
- Massed practice
- Distributed practice
- Variable practice.
- Mental practice.
Define massed practice
- Involves repeating a skill continuously with no recovery periods.
- E.g. Short serve practice= badminton.
Massed practice: advantages.
- Efficient use of time.
- Grooves/ overlearns skill.
- Improves fitness.
Massed practice: disadvantages.
- Causes fatigue.
- No time for feedback.
- Performer can lose motivation.
When should a coach use massed practice?
Skill is…
- Discrete
- Closed
- Simple
- Self-paced.
Performer is…
- Highly motivated
- Physically fit/ autonomous.
Define distributed practice.
- Involves repeating a skill continuously but with rest periods between each repetition.
e.g. swimmer practicing stroke technique.
Distributed practice: advantages.
- Coach can give feedback.
- Allows for mental practice.
- Allows for physical recovery.
Distributed practice: disadvantages.
- Time consuming.
- Can cause negative transfer.
- Loss of concentration and focus can occur during the rest interval.
When should a coach use distributed practice?
Skill is…
- Continuous
- Complex
- Serial
- Low
- Dangerous
- Externally paced.
Performer is…
- Cognitive
- Unfit
- Lacking motivation.
Define variable practice.
- Mixture of massed and distributed practice during one session.
- Practice skills in a constantly changing environment.
E.g. 3v2 game in practice then transferring it to game.
Variable practice: advantages.
- Develops schema.
- Improves decision making.
- Improves motivation and enjoyment.
Variable practice: disadvantages.
- Time consuming.
- Can cause fatigue.
- Possibility of information overload.
When should a coach use variable practice?
Skill is…
- Open
- Externally-paced.
- Complex
Performer is…
- Cognitive
- Lacking motivation.
Define mental practice
- Involves the rehearsal of the skill without physical movement.
Internal: seeing performance from ‘within’ through your own eyes.
External: seeing performance from outside as a spectator.
E.g. triple jumper (visualising the stages of their jump).
Mental practice: advantages (Cognitive + Autonomous)
Cognitive:
1. Lowers anxiety and arousal.
2. Reduces errors.
3. Builds confidence and motivation.
Autonomous:
1. Improves reaction time.
2. Focus on key strategies.
3. Preparation for game: muscles stimulated.
Mental practice: disadvantages
- Not appropriate/ difficult for cognitive performers.
- Mental image must be accurate.
- Difficult if environment is not quiet.
When should a coach use mental practice?
Skill is…
- Complex
- Serial
Performer is…
- Cognitive- builds clear mental image.
- Autonomous- focus on key strategies/ tactics.
