Methods of practice

Overview

Whole, part and progressive part practice, fixed and variable practice, massed and distributed practice, mental rehearsal and its benefits, and choosing practice by skill classification and phase of learning.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   What is whole practice?

   Model answer

   Whole practice teaches a skill in its complete form without breaking it down. Whole practice suits continuous and high-organisation skills.

2. 2

   What is part practice?

   Model answer

   Part practice teaches a skill in separate parts before putting them together. Part practice suits complex, low-organisation skills with clear phases.

3. 3

   What is progressive part practice?

   Model answer

   Progressive part practice teaches one part, then adds and links further parts in order. The triple jump suits this method.

4. 4

   What is fixed practice?

   Model answer

   Fixed practice repeats a skill in the same conditions. Fixed practice suits closed skills such as a free throw.

5. 5

   What is variable practice?

   Model answer

   Variable practice repeats a skill in changing conditions. Variable practice suits open skills such as a pass under pressure.

6. 6

   What is massed practice?

   Model answer

   Massed practice has little or no rest between attempts. Massed practice suits experienced, fit performers and simple skills.

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