Methods of practice

• Whole method is when a skill is taught in its entirety eg a golf swing
• Part method is when a skill is broken down and taught by sub-routines eg triple jump
• Whole-part-whole method is when a skill is taught as a whole, weaknesses are identified & then worked on it, then built back into the whole skill eg triple jump
• Progressive-part method is when a routine is taught where one skill flows into the next one eg gymnastic routine
• Massed practice is when:

  • Little to no rest during sessions
  • Discrete skills
  • Highly motivated/high fitness
• Distributed practice is:

  • Practice with rest intervals
  • Continous skills
  • For beginners/unfit performers
• Fixed practice is:

  • Specific movement pattern
  • Closed skill
  • Useful in event where conditions never change
• Varied practice is:

  • Practiced in a different environment
  • Open skills
  • Often beginners & game based