Best Format for Practice?
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Vincent Ulibarri
1 year, 3 months ago
Hey Tyler and Coaches,
I wanted to get your thoughts on the best practice formats, especially regarding the balance between blocked, random, and testing practices.
I recently listened to a podcast featuring a motor learning expert, and it raised some interesting points. This expert argued that blocked practice is the lowest form of practice in terms of learning retention and skill transfer. They suggested that even for beginners, random practice might be the most effective approach for developing skills.
This got me thinking, as I’ve often heard Tyler and others emphasize that practice format should depend on the skill level of the player. For newer golfers, blocked practice seems necessary to build foundational skills and confidence. However, this expert seemed to challenge that, advocating for random practice at all stages. It seems like blocked practice should be less than 10% of all overall practice.
They also discussed the role of training aids, claiming that while they can improve performance temporarily, the learning impact diminishes once the aid is removed—often not very effective at all.
So my questions are:
1. Should we be phasing out blocked practice, even for beginners?
2. How do you view the role of training aids in practice—are they worth incorporating, or should they be limited?
I’d love to hear your perspectives and any insights you have from your experience with players of varying skill levels.
Looking forward to your thoughts!
Thanks,
2 Replies
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Tyler Ferrell
Coach
1 year, 3 months ago
Hi Vincent,
I think the research on practice styles is a little muddy. Especially on internal vs external focus. It's really hard to define thoughts and focus.
I think a good golden rule is that you want to be constantly pushing yourself a little harder than you are capable. If hitting 3 shots solid in a row is difficult, then blocked style practice has a lot of merit. If you can hit ten shots solid in a row, then it probably has limited utility. In that case, I would challenge it in other ways.
I think each beginner is different, and I would treat it as such. I've talked with a number of coaches and a few tour pros who like blocked practice. As long as the steps are deliberate, they still get the effect of challenging their skills.
One challenge with the blocked vs random discussing is the measure of success. Often, in those studies, they are looking at a specific outcome (made shots, proximity, etc). I onced asked a researcher that if we were measuring by the quality of the stroke, not the quality of the outcome, can you show me a study that shows random practice producing better technical swing changes? IMO, the technique controls the upper limit of the skill capability. So skill work can be more useful short term, but if you want to get to a specific performance level, and your technique needs an upgrade, then a period of more blocked practice makes sense.
I think the ultimate goal is to practice on the course and you only spend time on the range if you can't execute the shot or technique you want on the course. On course practice is inherently more random than range practice.
In webinar 3 of Level 1 - I talk about building feel. https://www.golfsmartacademy.com/courses/gsa-level-1-certification/gsa-certification-webinar-3
A training aid typically falls into the first stage of building feel, so if you're expecting your skill to carry over, then you have to progress through the other stages. I think in the studies, they usually go from training aid to test (seems like a study design issue destined to show ineffectiveness of a training aid).
Curious in others thoughts as well.
Tyler
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Vincent Ulibarri
1 year, 2 months ago
As always, fantastic feedback.
This week, I had a student ask me an interesting question: “How much should I be practicing every day to see improvements?”
My response was that steady, consistent practice every day is likely more effective than practicing for two hours in one session and then taking a few days off.
That said, it got me thinking—do you believe there’s a point of diminishing returns when it comes to practice? Is there an ideal “sweet spot” for time spent practicing?
How would you approach this question for:
• A high-handicap golfer trying to lower their handicap?
• A mid-level golfer working to improve?
Personally, I’m hesitant to recommend hours and hours of practice because I’m unsure if that’s always the best path for every golfer. Or is it really as much time as you can devote?
Would love to hear your thoughts!