Retention of a Linear Task at a Novel Distance after Practice at Varied Distances

Abstract

The applicability of Schmidt's Schema Theory to a specific sport skill was investigated. 42 subjects in six intact groups practiced golf putting at different distances or combinations of distances. After 12 test putts at a novel distance, an analysis of variance of putts on test Trial 1 and the total of all test trials gave no significant differences among groups. The long-varied distance practice group (25, 30, 40, and 45 ft.) scored significantly better on test Trial 3 than the short- and long-nonvaried group (6 and 45 ft.). Analysis of test putts for varied and constant practice groups indicated a superiority of varied practice subjects in adjusting on a later test trial after initial attempts. The varied-practice groups showed a greater group consistency of score over the 12 test putts. Men performed significantly better than women, but age of subjects was not a significant factor.