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1.2
Yet when they did the transfer test to measure the real learning they saw almost double the improvements in the random group as compared to the block group (Diagram 2.2).
John Kessel: “So the research shows that when you train randomly which is chaotic to the skill, the training ugly variations, what comes to pass is that the retention is superior than if you did things blocked.”
The results of these studies and many more point to a better way to schedule our practice. So why isn’t this a thing?
Tom Black – LMU/ USA Volleyball: “Some coaches do block practice because they want to control everything because it’s about them – that’s like ego and all that stuff."
"But I think there’s a lot of block practice coaches that just really want to help. And when they do block practice you can actually see the kid get better, you know, within those 15 minutes. It’s hard for them when they do random practice because the results are slower even though the retention is higher. It's really hard for them to let go of that. But I think if – at least in my experience – if it’s an ego thing, that’s going to be a hard change. But there
As you can see (Diagram 2.1) the results were similar to the Shea and Morgan study. During this practice or acquisition stage the block group outperformed the random group.
practice but the random group retained those gains. Look at the massive gap between the two trials (Diagram 1.2).
A similar block vs. random study was done in baseball (Contextual Interference Effects on Skilled Baseball Players - Hall, Domingues and Cavazos - 1994). They did a six week batting practice study training players with either the block approach or random approach.
As you can see the results were similar to the Shea and Morgan study. During this practice or acquisition stage the block group outperformed the random group. (Diagram 2.1)
2.1
2.2
those 15 minutes. It’s hard for them when they do random practice because the results are slower even though the retention is higher. It's really hard for them to let go of that. But I think if – at least in my experience – if it’s an ego thing, that’s going to be a hard change. But there are some coaches that genuinely want to help their kids. When they stand in a single file line and the level of difficulty is really easy, they can see the kid get better. They really care about the kids so it’s hard for them to let go of that.