Comparison of constant and variable practice conditions on free-throw shooting

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Motor Learning
• Skill Acquisition

Background:

• Constant practice is often assumed optimal for skill acquisition.
• Variable practice may offer benefits, particularly in consistent transfer situations.
• The basketball free throw serves as a model for consistently performed skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test if variable practice is superior to constant practice for a consistently performed skill.
• To investigate the effects of different variable practice conditions on skill acquisition and retention.
• To examine the relationship between practice performance and retention in variable practice.

Main Methods:

• 94 participants were matched for free-throw shooting ability.
• Participants were randomly assigned to either constant practice (at the free-throw line) or one of three variable practice conditions.
• Practice occurred over three weeks, four days per week, under supervision.

Main Results:

• All practice conditions, including variable ones, led to significant improvements during practice.
• Variable practice conditions produced improvements comparable to constant practice on weekly tests and a delayed retention test.
• The group with the most variable practice performed as well as others on the retention test, despite lower performance during practice sessions.

Conclusions:

• Variable practice can be as effective, if not superior, to constant practice for skill acquisition in consistent transfer situations.
• The findings support the proposition that variable practice enhances learning and retention, even when practice performance is lower.
• This study highlights the potential benefits of variable practice for motor skill development in sports like basketball.