Skills and techniques

1. Skills and techniques Methods of practice

2. Methods of practice When creating a training programme to develop a new skill it is essential to have the correct methods of practice. This will depend on your weakness and your stage of learning.

3. Methods of practice • Gradual build up • Whole part whole • Repetition • Shadowing • Pressure training • Problem solving • Conditioned games

4. Gradual build up • Can be used for complex/dangerous skills. • Can be used to practice a game skill. Starting off as a closed practice building up to a game like situation Benefits • Able to work through technique in manageable stages • Correct each part of technique before progressing • Helps build confidence and motivation as a sense of achievement is felt when completing a stage. • Information load = kept minimum. Stages can be learned relatively easily.

5. Whole-part-whole • Usually used by performers with some experience of the activity. Can be used if there is a problem with part of the whole performance. Benefits: • Focus on specific area • Isolate and practice problem

6. Shadowing • Movement patterns practiced. • Can learn without the distraction of the ball. Benefits: • Learn correct technique • N o distractions • Concentrate on sub-routines

7. Repetition • To establish familiarity and consistency. • Movement patterns repeated – perform automatically Benefits: • Become automatic • Learn correct pattern

8. Drills • Make sure repartition takes place. • Same movement can take place time and time again Benefits: • Useful for developing techniques and court movement. • Drills are game like • Can practice in open conditions

9. Pressure trainnig • Ensure consistency when performing under pressure. • Game-like situation • Pressure similar to game Benefits: • Learn to cope with demands of the game. • Develop quick reactions. • Able to respond to ever changing environment. • Game confidence is developed.

10. Conditioned games • Normal rules change allowing practice of weak skill. Benefits: • Practice specific skills in game like situations • Brings practice and game together

11. Small sided games • Numbers reduced to encourage success Benefits: • Greater involvement • More practice • More touches of ball

12. Problem solving • Develop decision making skills. Most commonly used in situations where different options are available. Benefits: • Learn to perform most appropriate shots • Ability to play tactically • Become tactically offensive