Coaches use different types of practice structure to teach different skills - Edexcel - GCSE Physical Education - Question 10 - 2022 - Paper 1

Variable practice involves training the same skill under different conditions and contexts. This approach is essential for developing open skills, where the environment is unpredictable and continuously changing.

1. Adapting to Different Situations: Practicing the same skill in a variety of situations allows athletes to adapt their responses according to the specific demands they may face in a game scenario. For example, a soccer player practicing dribbling against different defender styles will be better prepared to make quick decisions during an actual match.

2. Learning to Alter Skills: Open skills require athletes to adjust their actions based on their environment. Variable practice helps athletes learn how to adapt and modify their skills as they encounter new challenges in real-time, which is crucial for success in dynamic sports situations.