Practice structures

Overview

Massed, distributed, fixed and variable practice, which skills and performers each suits, and choosing practice for a swimmer, a basketball player or a netball team.

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 massed practice?

   Model answer

   Massed practice is continuous practice with little or no rest between attempts. A basketball player shooting free throws non-stop is an example.

2. 2

   What is distributed practice?

   Model answer

   Distributed practice includes rest intervals between practice periods. The breaks can be used for feedback or mental rehearsal.

3. 3

   What is fixed practice?

   Model answer

   Fixed practice repeats a whole skill in the same way in an unchanging setting. The movement becomes grooved through repetition.

4. 4

   What is variable practice?

   Model answer

   Variable practice repeats a skill in a range of changing situations. A hockey passing drill against different numbers of defenders is an example.

5. 5

   Which skills suit massed practice?

   Model answer

   Massed practice suits basic closed skills that are not tiring or dangerous. The performer should be fit and well motivated.

6. 6

   Which performers and skills suit distributed practice?

   Model answer

   Distributed practice suits beginners and performers with low fitness or motivation. Distributed practice also suits complex or dangerous skills.

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