Types of practice Sue Young Philip Allan Publishers

Whole practice The task can be presented in its entirety with subroutines intact when the skill is: ● fast/ballistic ● closed ● discrete ● simple ● highly organised Advantages Disadvantages Fluency — feel of the skill Too much information Understanding May be beyond the performer’s capability Builds an image Not for beginners Links between the subroutines maintained Motor programmes Philip Allan Publishers © 2015

Part practice is when the skill is split into its subroutines. In pure part practice each component is practised separately. It is used when the skill is: ● low organised ● complex ● dangerous Advantages Disadvantages Reduced demands Time consuming Motivation Links? Confidence Fluency? Reduces danger Reduces fatigue Focus on weakness Philip Allan Publishers © 2015

Part practice contd In progressive part practice, each part of the skill is added gradually. It is used when the skill is: ● serial ● complex ● dangerous Advantages Disadvantages Keeps links Time consuming Stages of success If first part is incorrect, all is lost Motivation Reduces danger Philip Allan Publishers © 2015

Massed practice In massed practice there are no rest intervals. It is good for: ● habitual responses/closed skills ● grooving skills It enhances: ● over learning ● formation of motor programmes ● fitness Massed practice is used when: ● the performer is expert ● the skill is discrete ● the skill is simple Disadvantages ● No time for feedback ● Performer fatigue Philip Allan Publishers © 2015

Distributed practice allows rest intervals between sessions. It is used when: ● the performer is a beginner ● the skill is complex/serial Advantages Disadvantages Less mental pressure Negative transfer Less dangerous Time consuming Allows mental rehearsal Rest intervals allow recovery Facilitates coaching Philip Allan Publishers © 2015

Varied practice is used for: ● beginners ● open skills ● different methods Advantages Disadvantages Motivation Negative transfer Develops schema Time consuming Builds subroutines Philip Allan Publishers © 2015

Fixed practice is good for: ● closed skills ● advanced performers Advantages Disadvantages Over learning Boredom Reduces danger Fatigue Consistency Lacking challenge Good habits Philip Allan Publishers © 2015