Practice Schedules

Chapter 9

True or False?– Long term retention of a skill is best achieved by practicing a

motor skill repeatedly before moving to a different version of the task or a different task altogether.

The effectiveness of a training program shouldn’t be measured by the speed of acquisition or the level of performance reached at the end of practice opportunities, but by the learner’s performance in real-world settings that are the reason for the training.

How should practice be structured?

Determining the type of practice structure that promotes development of the individual’s capacity to produce a variety of actions from the same movement class is a key issue for movement practitioners– Ie. Throwing

Throwing a ball at different speeds to different locations Throwing different types of objects into a trash can Throwing darts to different areas of a target

Constant vs. Variable Practice

Constant practice

– Practice schedule where a single variation of a given task is practiced repeatedly (in the same context)

Throw the same object the same distance to the same target

Variable practice

– Practice schedule where multiple variations of a given task are practiced (changes in the context)

Throw different objects from different distances to different targets

Benefits of Practice Variability

Learners develop competence in altering the parameters for different dimensions of an action

– To throw 20 feet, 40 feet or 60 feet, the GMP would be the same

BUT, the parameters for overall force would be different If the performer uses the wrong parameters for force the throw

would be too long or too short Skilled performers select the correct parameter use to meet

the demands of the task

Benefits of Practice Variability

Learners are better able to perform novel versions of a movement – Learners not only learn to perform specific versions

of a movement practiced, but also develop a general capability of producing many different variations of a class of movements

Practice throwing different balls to different types of targets from different distances

– When a new distance and target not practiced is presented, the learner can successfully perform the novel task

Guidelines to Vary Practice

Closed Skills

– Constant regulatory conditions, variable non-regulatory conditions

Open skills and closed skills with inter-trial variability

– Variable regulatory and non-regulatory conditions

When to Implement Variable Practice

Use constant practice during initial stage of learning

– Facilitates the learner’s development of a basic movement pattern

Once learner has acquired the basic movement pattern, variable practice should be introduced.– Superior for learning– Enhances the adaptability of movement production

New versions of a task are performed more effectively

What do you think?

A young person is thinking about applying for a job as a postal employee. The job requires workers to lift packages from a moving conveyor belt and toss them into bins situated in various locations around the conveyor. How might the person practice this task to improve his chances of getting the job?

Organizing Variable Practice

One way to solve this practice schedule problem is to understand the concept of contextual interference

Contextual interference results from practicing various skills within the same session of practice

Contextual Interference

Interference results from switching from one skill to another or changing the context in which a task is practiced from trial to trial

– Intertask variations: dribbling, free throws, passing

– intratask variations: helping a person use a fork to eat peas, lettuce, spaghetti, chicken

High contextual interference leads to poorer performance during acquisition BUT enhances learning

Blocked Practice

One variation of a skill is practiced repeatedly before practice attempts are given on another variation

– Creates low contextual interference

– Should be used initially until learner gets the idea of the movement

Random Practice

Multiple task variations are performed in a random order

– Creates high contextual interference

– Use once learners have acquired some degree of proficiency

Repeated Blocked Practice

E.g. 5 successive shots at each of the 4 positions repeating the rotation twice

– Creates moderate levels of contextual interference

– Combines the advantages of both blocked and random practice

Blocked vs. Repeated Blocked vs. Random

Blocked practice

Pass x 20 Slap Shot x 20 Wrist shot x 20

Repeated blocked practice

Pass x 5 Slap shot x 5 x 4 Wrist shot x 5

Random practice

Pass, Slap shot, Wrist shot, Slap shot, Pass, Wrist shot, Pass, Slap shot, Pass, Wrist shot, Slap shot, Wrist shot, Pass, Wrist shot, Slap shot, Pass, Slap shot, Pass, Wrist shot, Slap shot, Wrist shot, Slap shot, Pass, Wrist shot, Slap Shot, Wrist shot, Pass, Slap shot, Pass, Wrist shot, Pass, Slap shot, Pass, Wrist shot, Slap shot, Wrist shot, Slap shot, Pass, Slap shot, Wrist shot, Pass, Wrist shot, Slap shot, Wrist shot, Slap shot, Pass, Wrist shot, Pass, Slap shot, Wrist shot, slap shot, Pass, Wrist shot, Pass, Slap shot, Pass Wrist shot, Pass, Wrist shot, Slap shot

Why Does The Contextual Interference Effect Occur?

Idea #1: Elaboration hypothesis– Random practice engages one in more

cognitive strategies– Performer retains all the skill variations in

working memory– Performer develops a memory representation

of a skill that can be accessed during a test

Why Does The Contextual Interference Effect Occur?

Idea #2: Action plan reconstruction hypothesis– Random practice requires performer to

reconstruct an action plan for each practice trial

– Performer engages in more problem-solving– Better retention performance

What Are The Limits Of The Contextual Interference Effect?

Learning characteristics may limit the effect– Age

High amounts of contextual interference in children do not enhance learning (blocked may be better)

– Skill level Students with low skills may have better retention in low

amount of contextual interference (blocked may be better)

Limits

Skills with different motor programs require more cognitive involvement= greater interference & enhanced learning

However, in applied situations, intratask variations have been shown to elicit contextual interference

Practical Application

For a skill of your choice, establish a variable practice schedule for closed skills and open skills.

For a skill of your choice, establish contextual interference for a novice learner; for a skilled learner.

Time across practice sessions

Random, repeated block, and block practice deals with time within a practice session

How about the duration and frequency of practice sessions across days, weeks, months?

Massed vs. Distributed Practice

Massed practice

– Amount of time allocated to rest between sessions or practice attempts is comparatively less than the time that the learner is engaged in practice

Distributed practice

– Rest component between sessions or practice attempts is equal to or greater than the practice component

Question?

A team practices for 3 hours, has an hour off, then practices for 2 hours. Is this an example of massed or distributed practice?

A patient receives therapy for 1 hour every day during a hospital stay. Is this an example of massed or distributed practice?

Practical Implications

Use distributed practice for:

– Skills that are novel or complex

– Continuous tasks

– Tasks with high-energy requirements

– Tasks that involve some degree of risk

– Learners who lack physical conditioning

Practical Implications Cont.

Use massed practice for:

– Discrete skills

– Learners who have acquired basic skills

– Learners who are highly motivated

– Learners who are in good physical condition

– Learners who have longer attention spans

Benefits

Distributed practice seems to benefit learning. Why?– More frequent repetition– Less fatigue

Less incorrect movement Lower potential of injury

Massed practice may improve physical conditioning for more advanced learners

Maximizing Time on Task

Rest Intervals: change muscle groups, use C.I.

Equipment substitutions: gather equipment for all, make equipment appropriate for developmental level of user

Drill design: active participation by all; avoid elimination; random practice enhances learning

– Small groups

Practical Application

Using a sport or rehab activity of your choice, generate a list of possible alternatives that could be used when an insufficient amount of equipment is available.