Massive Amount of Practice and Special Memory Representations, "Special Motor Program Hypothesis"

Document Type : Original Article

Abstract

The purpose of this study was investigating the contradiction between different types of memory 
representations. These viewpoints are based on generality and specificity of motor skill learning and the 
practice outcome. Sixteen players, divided into different groups of less- experienced group (less than sixmonth experience) to well- experienced group (at least eight years of experience) participated in this study. 
Each player performed 147 shoots in 3 sets and 21 blocks. The results of the current study showed that, in 
well-experienced group, there was a significant difference between predicted and actual free throw 
performance in the foul line. However, in less-experienced group, no significant difference was observed 
between predicted and actual free throw performance in the foul line. Significant differences were observed 
between predicted and actual free throw performance in the foul line may be explained by different reasons 
such as visual context, specific motor program, specific parameterization, etc. Further studies need to be 
conducted in order to explain them. However, many concepts of schema theory such as variable exercise, the 
storage problem and generality of the schema should not be viewed as certain. A New theory is needed in 
motor control in order to explain the special effects and specific memory representations in the massed 
practiced skills. 

Keywords

• Motor control
• Schema Theory
• Specific memory representations
• Highly practiced skills

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