Massed, distributed, fixed and variable practice
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify how different practice structures can be used effectively in different situations.
Key learning points
- Massed practice involves practising a skill continuously without taking a break.
- Distributed practice involves periods of rest between practice sessions.
- Fixed practice involves practising a skill in a stable and unchanging environment.
- Variable practice involves practising a skill in a variety of settings and conditions.
Keywords
Practice - repeated exercise in or performance of a skill so as to acquire or maintain proficiency in it
Massed practice - practice that occurs without rest between trials
Distributed practice - intervals between skill practice in a training session for rest or mental rehearsal
Fixed practice - repeatedly practising a whole skill within a training session
Variable practice - a training session that includes frequent changes of task so that the skill can be repeated in different situations
Common misconception
It might be believed that certain sports only require one type of practice structure.
Practice structures vary depending on the skills being practiced and the level of ability. Two different skills from within the same sport might benefit from different practice structures.
Teacher tip
Ask pupils to reflect on recent PE lessons or sports training sessions and critique the practice structures.
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these is not a skill classification continua?
Q2.Match the continua to the appropriate classification.
basic/complex
open/closed
low organisation/high organisation
Q3.What does the expression "practice makes perfect" emphasise?
Q4.Arrange these three skills from the most open to the most closed.
Q5.What does the 10,000 hour rule suggest about skills?
Q6.A rugby player receives the ball from a pass in the middle of the field. Which of these are environmental factors might they consider before performing the next skill?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keyword to its definition.
practice that occurs without rest between trials
intervals between skill practice in a training session for rest or men
repeatedly practising a whole skill within a training session
a training session that includes frequent changes of task/situations
Q2.Which of these are good reasons to choose to use a massed practice structure?
Q3.Beginners will benefit from breaks, therefore they should have practice sessions with a structure.
Q4.Sometimes different skills from the same sport might benefit from different practice structures. Match these two badminton skills to a practice structure.
fixed practice
variable practice
Q5.Which of these would be the most suitable practice session for a beginner learning to play hockey?
Q6.Which of these would be the most suitable practice session for a professional swimmer practising freestyle?
To help you plan your 11 physical education lesson on: Massed, distributed, fixed and variable practice, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 physical education lesson on: Massed, distributed, fixed and variable practice, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 physical education lessons from the Sport psychology: skill and ability unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.