Types and Methods of Practice

Question 1

Whole

Type

Answer 1

Skill is learned in complete form without being broken down into subroutines.

eg. golf swing, cartwheel

Pros:
- develop awareness of entire movement
- understand the relationship between different subroutines
- can be quicker than other methods

Cons:
- difficult to use with complex skills
- difficult for novice performers
- not ideal for dangerous skills

Ideal Conditions:
- skill is simple or discrete
- performer is experienced/autonomous
- subroutines lack meaning when performed in isolation

Question 2

Part

Type

Answer 2

Performer completes subroutines of the overall movement in isolation before attempting the overall skill.

eg. different aspects of a swimming stroke (legs, arms, breathing)

Pros:
- specific aspects of technique can be modified
- allows performer o gain confidence
- reduces risk
- allows period of recovery during physically demanding sessions

Cons:
- hinders development of continuity
- reduces kinaesthesis
- transfer from part to whole may be difficult
- highly organised skills are difficult to break down

Ideal Conditions:
- skill is complex
- skill involves long sequences
- low organisation
- inexperienced performer

Question 3

Progressive Part

Type

Answer 3

Performer attempts skill in phases and links them together after each phase to create the whole skill.

eg. gymnastics routine, triple jump, basketball layup

Pros:
- complex skills can be broken down and introduced gradually
- developments of an understanding of the relationships between the subroutines
- reduces risk
- transfer to the whole skill is easier

Cons:
- time consuming
- can be too focussed on one subroutine
not suitable for high organisation skills

Ideal Conditions:
- skill is complex
- skill is serial
- skill is dangerous
- no time constraints
- inexperienced performer

Question 4

Whole-Part-Whole

Type

Answer 4

Performer attempts the whole movement after observing a demo, performer develops the separate subroutines, performer completes the skill as a whole again.

eg. tennis serve

Pros:
- initial development of the overall feel for the movement
- success is continuous
- quicker than part practice as only the weaker subroutines are practiced

Cons:
- transfer from part to whole skill may be difficult
- some skills are difficult to break down
- not suitable for highly organised or dangerous skills

Ideal Conditions:
- when the skill can be broken down easily

Question 5

Fixed

Method

Answer 5

Specific movement pattern is practiced repeatedly in the same, stable environment.

eg. basketball free throw practice

Pros:
- most suitable method for closed skills that require specific movement patterns
- over learning of skills allows them to become habitual

Cons:
- not suitable for open skills

Question 6

Varied

Method

Answer 6

Skills are practiced in many environments with practice conditions as realistic as possible.

eg. learning positional tactics in football and using them in a defense vs attack drill

Pros:
- most suitable method for open skills
- practicing in a variety of environments helps to develop schema
- develops learners perceptual and decision making skills

Cons:
- leaner may not have developed the skills motor programme in a fixed practice environment before being introduced to varied practice

Question 7

Massed

Method

Answer 7

Continuous practice without breaks or rests.

eg. basketballer practicing shooting by doing many shots from different areas around the 3 point line

Pros:
- good for grooving of skills
- good for highly motivated/skilled/fitness performers
- good for discrete, short duration skills
- save time as no need for re-introduction after rest breaks

Cons:
- can lead to boredom or fatigue
- beginners affected by lack of concentration
- fatigue and demotivation leads to decreased performance and learning
- doesn’t allow for extrinsic feedback

Question 8

Distributed

Method

Answer 8

Rest is included in practice sessions for mental/physical recovery.

eg. swimmer does a width and then rests on the side while getting feedback from teacher

Pros:
- good for beginners and those with low motivation/fitness
- good for learning continuous skills
- rest intervals allow time for learner to receive extrinsic feedback
- good for complex and dangerous skills

Cons:
- more time consuming than massed practice