9.4 Whole vs. Part Practice

When it comes to learning motor skills, the choice between whole and part practice can make a big difference. Whole practice involves performing the entire skill, while part practice breaks it down into smaller components. This decision impacts how quickly and effectively we learn.

The effectiveness of each method depends on factors like skill complexity, learner proficiency, and available resources. Combining whole and part practice through techniques like progressive part practice or simplified whole practice can often yield the best results for skill acquisition.

Whole vs Part Practice

Definitions and Applications

• Whole practice involves practicing an entire skill or movement pattern in its complete form, from start to finish, without breaking it down into smaller components
  • Example: Practicing a golf swing from the initial stance to the follow-through in one continuous motion
• Part practice involves breaking down a complex skill into smaller, more manageable components and practicing each part separately before combining them into the whole skill
  • Example: Practicing a tennis serve by separately focusing on the toss, the backswing, the contact point, and the follow-through before combining them into a complete serve
• The decision to use whole or part practice depends on factors such as the complexity of the skill, the proficiency level of the learner, and the stage of learning

Advantages and Disadvantages

• Whole practice advantages:
  • Develops the timing and coordination of the entire skill
  • Enhances the understanding of how the skill components fit together
  • Promotes the development of a fluid, integrated movement pattern
• Whole practice disadvantages:
  • May be overwhelming for novice learners or those attempting highly complex skills
  • Can lead to fatigue or frustration if the learner struggles to perform the entire skill
• Part practice advantages:
  • Allows learners to focus on and master individual skill components
  • Reduces the cognitive load and potential for frustration when learning complex skills
  • Enables targeted practice and feedback on specific aspects of the skill
• Part practice disadvantages:
  • May not adequately develop the timing and coordination between skill components
  • Can lead to a fragmented or disjointed performance of the skill if the parts are not effectively integrated

Factors Influencing Practice Choice

Skill Characteristics

• Skill complexity refers to the number of components, the difficulty of the components, and the interdependence of the components within a motor skill
  • More complex skills may benefit from part practice initially to allow learners to master individual components before integrating them
  • Less complex skills may be more effectively learned through whole practice
• Skill type can influence the choice between whole and part practice:
  • Discrete skills, which have a clear beginning and end (throwing a dart), may benefit more from whole practice as they are typically less complex and easier to practice in their entirety
  • Serial skills, which involve a sequence of discrete skills (a gymnastics routine), may benefit from a combination of whole and part practice, depending on the complexity and interdependence of the components
  • Continuous skills, which have no clear beginning or end (swimming), may benefit more from whole practice as they involve a repetitive, cyclical motion

Learner Characteristics

• Learner's proficiency refers to the current skill level of the individual
  • Novice learners may benefit from part practice to develop a basic understanding of the skill components and their execution
  • More advanced learners may benefit from whole practice to refine their technique and develop a more fluid, integrated movement pattern
• The stage of learning (cognitive, associative, or autonomous) can influence the choice between whole and part practice
  • During the cognitive stage, part practice may be more effective as learners are still developing an understanding of the skill components and their relationships
  • During the associative and autonomous stages, whole practice may be more beneficial as learners refine their technique and develop a more automated performance
• Individual learning preferences and abilities may impact the effectiveness of whole or part practice for a given learner

Resource Constraints

• The availability of resources, such as time and equipment, can influence the decision between whole and part practice
  • Limited practice time may necessitate the use of whole practice to ensure exposure to the entire skill
  • Limited equipment or space may require part practice to allow multiple learners to practice simultaneously
• The learning environment, such as the presence of distractions or the level of support available, may also impact the choice between whole and part practice

Effectiveness of Practice Methods

Whole Practice Effectiveness

• Discrete skills, which have a clear beginning and end (throwing a dart), may benefit more from whole practice as they are typically less complex and easier to practice in their entirety
• Continuous skills, which have no clear beginning or end (swimming), may benefit more from whole practice as they involve a repetitive, cyclical motion
• During the associative and autonomous stages of learning, whole practice may be more beneficial as learners refine their technique and develop a more fluid, integrated movement pattern
• Whole practice can be particularly effective for developing the timing, coordination, and rhythm of a skill

Part Practice Effectiveness

• Serial skills, which involve a sequence of discrete skills (a gymnastics routine), may benefit from part practice, particularly when the components are complex or highly interdependent
• During the cognitive stage of learning, part practice may be more effective as learners are still developing an understanding of the skill components and their relationships
• Part practice can be beneficial for targeting specific weaknesses or areas for improvement within a skill
• Breaking down a complex skill into smaller, more manageable parts can reduce the cognitive load and potential for frustration during the learning process

Combining Whole and Part Practice

Progressive Part Practice

• Progressive part practice involves practicing skill components separately and gradually combining them into larger, more complex units until the whole skill is performed
  • Example: Learning a basketball lay-up by practicing the footwork, the dribbling, and the shooting separately before combining them into the complete skill
• This approach allows learners to master the individual components before integrating them into the whole skill, reducing the cognitive load and potential for frustration

Simplified Whole Practice

• Simplified whole practice involves practicing the entire skill in a simplified or modified form (slower speed, reduced resistance) and gradually progressing to the full skill as proficiency improves
  • Example: Learning a complex dance routine by initially performing the movements at a slower tempo and gradually increasing the speed as mastery develops
• This approach exposes learners to the entire skill while reducing the difficulty, allowing them to develop an understanding of the overall movement pattern before progressing to more challenging versions

Fractionized Practice

• Fractionized practice involves breaking down the skill into smaller parts, practicing each part separately, and then practicing the skill in its entirety
  • This cycle is repeated with a focus on refining and integrating the parts into the whole
  • Example: Learning a volleyball spike by practicing the approach, the jump, the arm swing, and the landing separately, then combining them into the complete skill, and repeating this process with a focus on refinement
• Fractionized practice allows for targeted practice and feedback on specific skill components while still providing exposure to the entire skill

Varied Practice

• Varied practice involves practicing the skill in different contexts, conditions, or variations to develop adaptability and transfer of learning
  • Example: Practicing a golf putt on different surfaces, slopes, and distances to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the skill
• Varied practice can help learners develop a more flexible and adaptable skill set, enhancing their ability to perform the skill in a variety of situations

Individualized Combination

• The optimal combination of whole and part practice may vary depending on the individual learner, the specific skill, and the learning environment
  • Factors such as the learner's proficiency, learning style, and goals should be considered when determining the most effective practice strategy
• Regularly assessing performance and adjusting the practice strategy accordingly can help optimize skill acquisition and performance
  • Coaches and instructors should monitor learners' progress and modify the balance between whole and part practice based on their observations and the learners' feedback