Strategies of specific/variable physical practice and acquisition of motor skills : A literature analysis
The present article deals with the characteristics of closed and open motor skills by establishing a relationship with the most efficient training strategies for motor performance. Moreover, this article discusses Adams’ (1971) Closed Loop Theory and Schmidt’s (1975) Motor Schema Theory. The former theory postulates that the best strategy for motor learning relies on the reproduction of identical and stereotyped movement. However, the latter proposes variable physical practice as an effective strategy for learning and transfer. Finally, pedagogical recommendations are offered to educational stakeholders in physical education and sports in order to optimize the acquisition of motor skills.