HMS, BM EQ-Bank 576

A soccer coach is using two different practice methods for a player transitioning from the associative to autonomous stage:

Method 1 (Blocked practice): The player practices free kicks for 20 minutes, followed by 20 minutes of dribbling drills, then 20 minutes of passing exercises.
Method 2 (Random practice): The player participates in small-sided games where they must continuously switch between dribbling, passing, shooting, and defensive skills in response to changing game situations.

Discuss the effectiveness of blocked versus random practice for this soccer player transitioning from the associative to autonomous stage of learning. (8 marks)

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*PEEL – Solution is structured using separate PEEL methods for each side of the argument; [P] Identify the point, [E] expand on the point with a link to question asked, [Ev] apply evidence/examples, [L] linking sentence back to question.

Random practice (Method 2) is more effective for this transition:

[P] Random practice better prepares players for real game demands.
[E] Small-sided games force players to switch between skills unpredictably, matching actual match conditions.
[Ev] Players must instantly change from dribbling past defenders to executing a through-pass when teammates create space.
[L] Therefore, random practice develops the adaptability needed for autonomous performance.
[P] Random practice enhances decision-making alongside skill execution.
[E] Players approaching autonomous stage need to select appropriate skills quickly while maintaining their technique.
[Ev] In small-sided games, players choose between shooting or passing based on defensive positioning.
[L] This simultaneous skill selection and execution accelerates autonomous stage development.

Blocked practice (Method 1) has limited effectiveness at this stage:

[P] Blocked practice provides insufficient challenge for transitioning players.
[E] Repetitive drills don’t develop the quick skill-switching required in matches.
[Ev] Practicing free kicks for 20 minutes straight doesn’t prepare players for taking one crucial kick under pressure.
[L] Thus, blocked practice fails to bridge the gap to autonomous performance.
[P] While blocked practice may reinforce technique, it has limited transitional effectiveness.
[E] Skills practiced in isolation don’t automatically combine during matches.
[Ev] Perfect passing in drills doesn’t guarantee successful passes under defensive pressure.
[L] Therefore, blocked practice becomes less effective as players approach autonomous stage.

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Random practice (Method 2) is more effective for this transition:

[P] Random practice better prepares players for real game demands.
[E] Small-sided games force players to switch between skills unpredictably, matching actual match conditions.
[Ev] Players must instantly change from dribbling past defenders to executing a through-pass when teammates create space.
[L] Therefore, random practice develops the adaptability needed for autonomous performance.
[P] Random practice enhances decision-making alongside skill execution.
[E] Players approaching autonomous stage need to select appropriate skills quickly while maintaining their technique.
[Ev] In small-sided games, players choose between shooting or passing based on defensive positioning.
[L] This simultaneous skill selection and execution accelerates autonomous stage development.

Blocked practice (Method 1) has limited effectiveness at this stage:

[P] Blocked practice provides insufficient challenge for transitioning players.
[E] Repetitive drills don’t develop the quick skill-switching required in matches.
[Ev] Practicing free kicks for 20 minutes straight doesn’t prepare players for taking one crucial kick under pressure.
[L] Thus, blocked practice fails to bridge the gap to autonomous performance.
[P] While blocked practice may reinforce technique, it has limited transitional effectiveness.
[E] Skills practiced in isolation don’t automatically combine during matches.
[Ev] Perfect passing in drills doesn’t guarantee successful passes under defensive pressure.
[L] Therefore, blocked practice becomes less effective as players approach autonomous stage.