This investigation examined the effects of distributed and massed practice on the learning and retention of a discrete computerized skill (Exp. 1) and a continuous computerized skill (Exp. 2). 40 men were randomly assigned to one of four groups, of which two groups took part in Exp. 1 and two groups in Exp. 2. Performance was assessed at various points during acquisition and then on 8 retention tests conducted at varying times after acquisition. Learning curves for practice were highly similar for the two conditions. Participants in the distributed-practice group performed significantly better than those in the massed-practice group at the end of practice on both the discrete and continuous skills. However, participants in the distributed-practice group performed significantly more poorly on retention during 24 hr. and after acquisition. Participants in the massed-practice condition performed significantly better on retention tests than did those who learned in the distributed-practice condition.

The visual behaviour is a determining factor in sailing due to the influence of the environmental conditions. The aim of this research was to determine the visual behaviour pattern in sailors with different practice time in one star race, applying a probabilistic model based on Markov chains. The sample of this study consisted of 20 sailors, distributed in two groups, top ranking (n = 10) and bottom ranking (n = 10), all of them competed in the Optimist Class. An automated system of measurement, which integrates the VSail‐Trainer® sail simulator and the Eye Tracking System^TM was used. The variables under consideration were the sequence of fixations and the fixation recurrence time performed on each location by the sailors. The event consisted of one of simulated regatta start, with stable conditions of wind, competitor and sea. Results show that top ranking sailors perform a low recurrence time on relevant locations and higher on irrelevant locations while bottom ranking sailors make a low recurrence time in most of the locations. The visual pattern performed by bottom ranking sailors is focused around two visual pivots, which does not happen in the top ranking sailor's pattern. In conclusion, the Markov chains analysis has allowed knowing the visual behaviour pattern of the top and bottom ranking sailors and its comparison.

The authors applied algorithms based on the sample entropy (SampEn) measurements to analyze the evolution of regularity in center of pressure displacements on the medialateral (ML) and anteroposterior (AP) axes after the application of 2 balance training methods: differential and traditional. A total of 14 young healthy participants took part in this study undertaking 5 SampEn measurements, a pre- and posttest, and 3 retests on dynamic balance and monopodal support. Results show a SampEn increase in the ML axis over the medium term (4 weeks) with both training methods. Over the short term (1 week), only traditional training shows a SampEn increase in the ML axis. In the AP axis, the traditional training method also shows a SampEn increase over the medium and short terms. A higher irregularity of the COP displacements is also present in the same axis, far from the higher regularity observed in the AP axis. These findings suggest a variability strategy related with the postural control during supports.

This study investigated simultaneous treatments in contextual interference (blocked and random practice) and their effect on the process of learning four tennis shots. 8 tennis players participated in the research, which was carried out in two phases. The first phase involved a 3-wk. period of 12 sessions with 192 practice tennis shots per session for each tennis player. The second phase comprised 4 retention tests carried out at 48 hr. and 2, 4, and 6 weeks following the learning phase. This phase consisted of evaluating the retention of the skills that had been practiced during the learning phase. The results indicated an improvement in the quality of shots for both practice conditions during the learning phase. Differences in retention appeared relative to differences in the type of practice conditions (random or blocked) in which the skill was learned and also depended on the type of shot and the time that had elapsed since the learning period.

The existence of three walls on both court sides in padel is a unique characteristic from which particular offensive and defensive behaviours emerged. The aim of this study was to assess the differences on kinematics parameters using two types of balls – Head and Dunlop – in the two-existing kind of wall surfaces – concrete and glass – during a padel drive. Data were obtained from the bounce on of two hundred padel balls on the two different surfaces. The ball type showed a greater influence on linear space and speed parameters, whilst wall surface had a greater impact on the ball angle and acceleration. In particular, glass surface showed faster, longer and more accelerated bounces than concrete. This may provide some advantages like more time to react and higher balls will increase the odds to score directly with a smash. Therefore, playing padel on a concrete surface will result in more difficulties than glass. Moreover, Dunlop balls described faster and longer bounces than Head. This information should be taken into account for coaches when defining training aims and designing specific tasks and for researchers as a control variable with potential influence on players’ performances and behaviours.

In a sport conditioned by natural elements such as sailing, visual perception is a key factor for the performance. Research has shown that the visual behavior of athletes at different skill levels varies, which may cause differences in the performance achieved. The aim of this research was to examine the visual behavior of sailors from different ranking positions at the start of a race in a simulated situation. Twenty junior sailors (N = 10 top and N = 10 bottom ranking) participated in this study. The visual behavior was recorded at the start of a sailing simulation. The top-ranking sailors performed more visual fixations on the locations that have more highly relevant information, such as “telltales” and “rivals,” than do bottom-ranking sailors (p < .005). The top-ranking sailors are closer to the start line at the time of the start signal. The analysis of the visual search strategy shows that top-ranking sailors employed a more active visual search strategy. More experienced athletes can make better use of the information obtained from the important locations.