Massed and Distributed Practice Effects on the Acquisition and Retention of a Novel Basketball Skill

Abstract Three groups of 40 subjects practiced the novel skill of bouncing a basketball off the floor and into the basket under massed and distributed practice conditions. One group continuously attempted 80 shots at the basket while a second group paused 5 min. and a third group rested 24 hr. between each of four 20-attempt trials. Subjects were tested immediately at the conclusion of practice, one day after, the following week, and one month later. Immediate acquisition of the skill was statistically (.01 level) favored under distributed practice (the 24-hr. rest group); no significant differences between groups were found the next day and following week; but ultimate retention of the skill, as measured by a test one month later, demonstrated the massed and relatively massed practice groups to be statistically more effective (.05 level) than the distributed practice group.