Theory of Spaced Repetition

The theory of spaced repetition can be applied in sports coaching and training structure to improve the learning of techniques and the assimilation of concepts, creating a system that helps athletes memorize and refine skills over time. It can be integrated at multiple levels.

In sports coaching, spaced repetition can be used to teach and perfect technical skills, such as shooting, passing, defense, or puck control in hockey. Coaches can structure training sessions to repeat the same skills at different times, gradually increasing the interval between training sessions. This helps athletes develop stronger and longer-lasting motor memory, improving the automatic execution of skills under pressure.

For example, after teaching a particular shot, the coach might schedule a repetition in the next training session, then revisit it the following week, then ten days later, and so on, increasing the interval each time. In this way, the athlete not only reinforces the movement but also makes it automatic over time.

Strategies and tactics often require repetition to be fully understood and applied under stress. Using spaced repetition allows athletes to refine their understanding and make it part of their mental repertoire, reducing the risk of forgetting critical game situations.

An example is a coach trying to teach a complex tactical formation. They could introduce it in one training session and then review it multiple times with increasing intervals throughout the season, reinforcing the understanding of movements without overloading the athlete.

Spaced repetition can also be used to correct technical or behavioral errors. After identifying an area that needs improvement, the coach can provide feedback during training and then schedule review moments to repeat the corrections and maintain improvement.

A practical case could be an athlete needing to improve their skating technique.

The coach can correct them in one session and then revisit the same correction during subsequent training sessions, perhaps after two or three days, to ensure the improvement persists.

Even physical conditioning training can benefit from spaced repetition. For example, muscle or cardiovascular training can be structured to emphasize specific exercises with planned intervals. This approach allows for optimal recovery and continuous performance improvement.

A typical example is endurance training, which includes a specific circuit repeated at regular intervals, gradually increasing difficulty and time between training sessions.

Spaced repetition not only optimizes learning but also allows tracking the athlete's progress over time. Seeing consistent improvements, even in the long term, helps maintain high motivation and commitment.

Spaced repetition can be implemented in sports coaching using various effective tools. A fundamental tool is long-term training planning. The coach can structure sessions to regularly repeat the same skills, with appropriate rest intervals between repetitions, to promote recovery and skill assimilation.

Finally, the use of video for technical analysis is an excellent feedback tool. Repeatedly watching videos showing specific movements or game situations helps athletes better understand what they need to correct or improve, making learning more targeted and effective.