Massed, distributed, fixed and variable practice
I can identify how different practice structures can be used effectively in different situations.
Massed, distributed, fixed and variable practice
I can identify how different practice structures can be used effectively in different situations.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Massed practice involves practising a skill continuously without taking a break.
- Distributed practice involves periods of rest between practice sessions.
- Fixed practice involves practising a skill in a stable and unchanging environment.
- Variable practice involves practising a skill in a variety of settings and conditions.
Keywords
Practice - repeated exercise in or performance of a skill so as to acquire or maintain proficiency in it
Massed practice - practice that occurs without rest between trials
Distributed practice - intervals between skill practice in a training session for rest or mental rehearsal
Fixed practice - repeatedly practising a whole skill within a training session
Variable practice - a training session that includes frequent changes of task so that the skill can be repeated in different situations
Common misconception
It might be believed that certain sports only require one type of practice structure.
Practice structures vary depending on the skills being practiced and the level of ability. Two different skills from within the same sport might benefit from different practice structures.
To help you plan your year 11 physical education lesson on: Massed, distributed, fixed and variable practice, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 physical education lesson on: Massed, distributed, fixed and variable practice, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 physical education lessons from the Sport psychology: skill and ability unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
basic/complex
open/closed
low organisation/high organisation
Exit quiz
6 Questions
practice that occurs without rest between trials
intervals between skill practice in a training session for rest or men
repeatedly practising a whole skill within a training session
a training session that includes frequent changes of task/situations
fixed practice
variable practice