1. Comparison of constant and variable practice conditions on free-throw shooting
- Author
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Shoenfelt, Elizabeth L., Snyder, Leslie A., Maue, Allison E., McDowell, C. Patrick, and Woolard, Christopher D.
- Subjects
Perceptual-motor learning -- Research ,Athletes -- Training ,Health ,Psychology and mental health - Abstract
The proposition that variable practice may be superior to constant practice even for consistent transfer situations was tested on a prototypical consistently performed skill, the basketball free throw. 94 participants were matched on free-throw shooting, then randomly assigned to one of four practice conditions, a Constant condition, i.e., at the free-throw line, and three Variable conditions. Under supervision participants practiced shooting free throws four days a week for three weeks. Three substantially different variable practice conditions produced significant improvement similar to that of constant practice on tests during each week of practice and on a delayed retention test. Consistent with the proposition, the most variable practice group performed as well as the other groups on the retention test despite lower practice performance.
- Published
- 2002