Blocked and random practice for the improvement of performance in tennis players during competition

Abstract

This study shows the effects of contextual interference (in blocked and random practice) on the accuracy of four tennis strokes. Eight players participated in the study, conducted in two phases. It was developed a learning period of 3 weeks, which was made 12 practice sessions and the second phase was composed of 4 tests retention, applied to 48 hours, at 2, 4 and 6 weeks. The results show improved performance in the strokes with both conditions of practice, as well as significant differences in the direction of shots, that depend of the valued shot, the parameter used in the measurement precision (width or depth) and the stage in which it happened.