Having already written about this model previously, I have already gained some knowledge on how the different practices work. However instead of just putting a picture, I feel that it should have a small explanation of what each element of practice means.

Blocked Practice:                                                                             

Blocked practice is suggested to be where an individual will continuously practice a sporting technique for a period of time in order for them to perform it. Blocked practice is aimed to suggest that by constantly repeating a skill this enhances a performers ability (Vickers, 2007).

Variable Practice:

Unlike Blocked Practice, The variable practice approach suggests that putting a player in a game situation will help them be able to adapt to different scenarios that may occur in a game or event whereas blocked practice is constantly repetitive (Vickers, 2007).

Random Practice: 

Unlike the two practices above, Random Practice suggests that as a coach they may want to add a progression to the skill that they are delivering during a session. According to Vickers, 2007, drills that are Random practice are called to be ‘smart combinations’ which is where the drill in the session are to aim stimulation for players to enhance the feeling of playing in a real, competitive game. 

Having done reading upon this subject I feel that it has interested me to a point whereby I would enjoy the challenge of using the practices in upcoming sessions. Previously I have incorporated blocked and random practice into sessions however while on placement I would like to try to introduce variable practice as I feel that this is the most successful form of a players development and will achieve the best results.

The session where I introduced Blocked practice was with an under 6’s groups, learning how to pass a ball to one another. Due to their age I felt this was most appropriate as they could practice this over and over until they felt comfortable. I felt that this was a success in the session as they felt more confident when applying this in a game situation because they had the opportunity to practice repetitively. The advantages of this in the session was some of the players felt more confident and was able to apply the skill in a game situation however the disadvantage was that some of the players felt bored carrying on doing the same skill over and over.

I incorporated random practice into one of my previous sessions by introducing two touch football. I had the participants practicing passing. I tried to incorporate a progression by getting them to only use two touch. Once the group was competent at this I then decided to add  further progression by putting them into two teams and getting them to focus on passing and moving by using two touch with the idea of the opposition would have to win the ball back and the two teams would have to string a number of pass together using two touch. I felt this was more effective than blocked as the participants during block practice may get bored with doing the same thing over and over again and cannot not further develop the skill that they are learning because of how repetitive it is where as random practice there is progressions which are added and things are less structured therefore making it more realistic for a real game situation.

The Video below shows the differences between block and random practice.

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References:

Williams, M. & Hodges, N. (2005) Practice, instruction and skill acquisition in soccer: Challenging tradition. Journal of sports sciences

Vicker, J (2007). Perception, cognition, and decision training. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics

Blocked VS Random Practice – Making practicing fun again. (WWW. youube.com/watch?v=OLmAafNmdAs)