Practice Methods
The quality and quantity of the training plays an extremely important role in skill learning. A good coach will make sure that training is developed in a way that keeps everyone interested and maintains challenging for everyone also so improvement can take place. Skills can be enhanced by training systems and routines, these are known as practice methods:
- Massed and distributed practice
- Whole and part practice
Massed and Distributed Practice
Massed practice
Massed practice requires the performers to take infrequent breaks between long periods of instruction and skill development routines. This is shown with a boxer punching a bag in a specific sequence to try and master it until fatigue. Massed practice works best when performers are:
Distributed practice
Intensive work is spread over a much more frequent time periods of practice. The work is spread over a much more frequent schedule which incorporates more breaks and a more relaxed style. If a boxer were to adapt this style to perfect a sequence each training session would not entirely tire out the boxer due to the sequence being repeated until fatigue, there would be more frequent training sessions to make up for the less time spent doing to skill continuously. distributed practice works best when:
- (HSC CSU Website)
Massed practice
Massed practice requires the performers to take infrequent breaks between long periods of instruction and skill development routines. This is shown with a boxer punching a bag in a specific sequence to try and master it until fatigue. Massed practice works best when performers are:
- highly motivated
- fresh
- unable to attend a number of sessions
Distributed practice
Intensive work is spread over a much more frequent time periods of practice. The work is spread over a much more frequent schedule which incorporates more breaks and a more relaxed style. If a boxer were to adapt this style to perfect a sequence each training session would not entirely tire out the boxer due to the sequence being repeated until fatigue, there would be more frequent training sessions to make up for the less time spent doing to skill continuously. distributed practice works best when:
- performer lacks interest
- the task is difficult
- motivation is low
- the task causes fatigue
- excessive work causes discomfort (for example, heading a soccer ball)
- (HSC CSU Website)
Whole and Part Practice
Whole Practice
This is the practicing of a task in its entirety and practicing the skill as a whole each time. For example practicing the full swing and the hitting of a tennis ball in a serve and repeating that motion until it is learnt.
Part Practice
Part practice is when a skill is broken up into many segments and separate parts are learnt for the whole skill to be put together at the end, and so the learning process is easy and a lot simpler. E.g.Firstly, the ball toss would be learnt. Then secondly the swing and order of the racket movement necessary to perform a proper serve. Thirdly, the timing of the contact with the racket and the ball must be learnt and the right height to hit the ball.
- (HSC CSU Website)
Whole Practice
This is the practicing of a task in its entirety and practicing the skill as a whole each time. For example practicing the full swing and the hitting of a tennis ball in a serve and repeating that motion until it is learnt.
Part Practice
Part practice is when a skill is broken up into many segments and separate parts are learnt for the whole skill to be put together at the end, and so the learning process is easy and a lot simpler. E.g.Firstly, the ball toss would be learnt. Then secondly the swing and order of the racket movement necessary to perform a proper serve. Thirdly, the timing of the contact with the racket and the ball must be learnt and the right height to hit the ball.
- (HSC CSU Website)