Practice Variability and Training Design: Strategies of Elite Horizontal Jump Coaches

S Schema Theory (1975) predicts that successful motor skill learning and performance are largely determined by the amount of movement variability the performer experiences during practice. This prediction has been consistently validated through a vast amount of research. Within a training environment, practice variability can be integrated by creating variation within the movements of an action, the physical context in which the action takes place, and the situation in which the action is performed. The purpose of this study was to investigate the degree to which elite long jump coaches institute practice variability within their training design to enhance toe-board accuracy. Participants completed an open-ended survey inquiring about their knowledge and strategies to improve toe-board accuracy. Seventy-eight percent of the coaches reported they were aware of research on toe-board accuracy and reported using a variety of strategies. With respect to practice variability, coaches used “measured run” techniques that change the approach distance to the toe-board. Coaches did not report varying movements of the long jump action or situations in which the action occurs. The results suggest that elite long jump coaches stress the importance of toe-board accuracy but do not maximize the use of practice variability for training toe-board accuracy.