The Transfer of Motor Skill Practice to the Game: A Review of Transfer of Learning Theory and Applications

Abstract Transfer of learning from practice to competition is a prevalent issue that needs the assistance of professionals in motor behavior and coaching education. This review provides a theoretical and applied overview of transfer of learning and practice design. Lacking the appropriate knowledge and skillset to create an effective practice design does not have to be common for coaches. Athletes and coaches need more evidence of transfer of learning behind their practice design and assessment. This research review gives support to theories and concepts like Fitts and Posner\u27s stages of learning, specificity of learning, schema theory, verbal cues augmented feedback, etc. Continuous tasks that are random when given in practice have been shown to be remarkable ways of aiding in an athlete’s overall retention and transfer of skills to game time. To provide evidence for these topics, research was conducted on practice variables such as: attentional focus, acquisition, retention, transfer, feedback, and psychological skills. The intent of this review was to provide practice concepts that yield the highest rates of transfer from practice to the game. These concepts are to be used for coaches to best assess the effectiveness of their practice