Which type of practice involves repeating the same drill or task until the movement becomes automatic?

Blocked practice involves repeating the same drill or task continuously to solidify the movement pattern in one's memory. This method allows individuals to focus on one specific skill or task at a time, leading to automaticity in their performance. When a learner engages in blocked practice, they can reinforce the mechanics of a given action, such as shooting in basketball or kicking in soccer, until these actions become second nature.

The repetitive nature of blocked practice helps in mastering the individual components of a skill. This is particularly beneficial for beginners who need the time to develop a clear understanding and execution of basic movements. By concentrating solely on one skill over multiple repetitions, learners can achieve a high level of proficiency before moving on to more complex or varied elements of practice. This sets a strong foundation for further skill development.