Practice part 2

      In our first part of the series, we discussed the multiple ways to learn an individual skill. Today's article will focus on a more macro setting in how to run practice in general. If you remember the previous article referencing Allan Iverson's practice rant in this article, we are Larry Brown (head coach of the 76ers) dictating how practice is going to run. 

    If you speak to any coach of any sport, you will get very different ways to run practice; Hell, you could speak to any football coach about how they run practice, and you will get varying results. For simplicity and brevity, I'll talk about three methods.

    Random Practice:

    Random practice is exactly what it sounds like....its random. You could schedule lunge jumps, depth jumps, vertical jumps and pogo jumps all one training session and in any order. As you may have noticed each "jump" requires different motor movements and presents a different stimulus. By performing each of these tasks you accomplish a good amount, however short-term learning is stunted due to the variability and lack of attention dedicated towards one movement. Continued random practice design in this format will lead to learning each of the movements.

Variable Practice:

    Variable practice on the other hand focuses on one skill set practiced multiple ways. Take the squat movement for example. Back Squat, Front Squat, Goblet squat and air squats are all under the same body movement just variations of that skillset. In the short terms skills are learned slowly but enhances performance that is more sport specific. In sports, not all movements are the same, so learning new motor movements are imperative in unfamiliar conditions. As a coach I can model variable practice that would stimulate game like conditions or to an opponent in individual sports.

Observational Practice:

    This style of practice is learned by observing the skill or task at hand. Using videos (film review) or live demonstration are examples of how to incorporate observational practice. Pairing your most technique savvy lifter with a novice lifter can reap benefits for the beginner as they can watch the technique and learn. In sports example this is Patrick Mahomes learning from Alex Smith by watching during his rookie year. Or a freshman learning from a senior. Alabama football used to stack depth with talented players, so they can watch and learn from more experienced players.

    Incorporating each of these styles will facilitate learning amongst your players. A key aspect is knowing your players and how they respond to different styles.