Why "Repetition with Repetition" is backwards in skill acquisition

Steve is a tennis coach and a leading authority on methods of learning. He wants to challenge perceptions and ask coaches to think about their own methods whilst detailing an alternative option that he believes will improve you as a coach

For decades, repetition has been a cornerstone of traditional tennis coaching. Coaches often stress the importance of hitting the same shot over and over until it becomes "automatic." Terms like “muscle memory” and “perfect technique” dominate the conversation, creating an illusion that repetition is the key to mastering tennis skills.

But here’s the catch: repetition without variation isn’t how humans learn. In fact, this rigid approach is fundamentally flawed when it comes to skill acquisition in a dynamic, ever-changing sport like tennis.

Enter the concept of repetition without repetition, a phrase coined by motor learning pioneer Nikolai Bernstein. This principle shifts the focus from blindly repeating the same movement to achieving the same outcome through varied movements, better reflecting the realities of the sport. Let’s explore why traditional repetition is backward and how embracing variability can transform your coaching and player development.

The Problem with Traditional Repetition

Repetition without variation assumes that hitting the same shot repeatedly in a controlled environment will transfer to match play. While this approach might improve short-term performance in practice, it has several long-term drawbacks:

Tennis is a Dynamic Game

No two points in a tennis match are ever the same. The speed, spin, trajectory, and bounce of the ball constantly change, as do your position, the opponent's actions, and external conditions like wind or court surface. Repeating the same stroke in isolation doesn’t prepare players for the unpredictability of real matches.

Overemphasis on Technique

Traditional repetition focuses on “perfecting” technique, often ignoring the context in which that technique must be applied. Players might develop a beautiful forehand during drills but struggle to execute it under pressure, in motion, or against a tricky opponent.

Lack of Decision-Making

Repeating the same shot removes the need for decision-making, which is a critical component of tennis. Players don’t just need to hit the ball—they need to decide where, when, and how to hit it based on their opponent’s position and the state of the game.

Limited Adaptability

When players are conditioned to execute a stroke in one specific way, they become rigid. This rigidity makes it difficult to adapt when the conditions change, whether that’s a faster ball, an unfamiliar opponent, or playing on a different surface.

False Confidence

Repetition can create a false sense of mastery. Players might feel confident in their abilities during drills, only to become frustrated when they can’t replicate those movements in a match. This disconnect undermines both performance and enjoyment.

Repetition Without Repetition: A Smarter Way to Learn

Bernstein’s concept of repetition without repetition emphasizes achieving consistent outcomes through variable movements. Instead of mindlessly repeating the same stroke, players are encouraged to explore different ways of hitting the ball based on the constraints of the game.

Here’s why this approach works:

It Mirrors Real Match Conditions

Tennis is chaotic and unpredictable, so practice should reflect this reality. By introducing variability—changing the speed, spin, or trajectory of the ball—players learn to adapt and make adjustments, just as they would in a match.

It Encourages Perception-Action Coupling

In ecological dynamics, perception-action coupling refers to the relationship between what players see and how they move. For example, a player might perceive their opponent moving to the right and adjust their shot to the left. Repetition without repetition trains this crucial skill by exposing players to a variety of scenarios, forcing them to read and react to their environment.

It Builds Adaptability

By practicing in variable conditions, players develop a repertoire of movement solutions. This adaptability allows them to respond effectively to different challenges, whether it’s a tricky slice or a powerful topspin shot.

It Develops Decision-Making

Variability forces players to make decisions. Should they hit cross-court or down the line? Should they attack or defend? These decisions are integral to tennis, and repetition without repetition creates the conditions for players to practice them.

It’s How Humans Learn

The human body is not a machine. It’s a dynamic, self-organizing system that thrives on exploration and adaptability. When exposed to variability, the body naturally seeks the most efficient and effective movement solutions.

How to Incorporate Repetition Without Repetition in Your Coaching

Here are practical ways to implement this approach:

Use Representative Learning Environments (RLEs)

Design drills that replicate the unpredictability of match play. For example:

Vary the depth, spin, and speed of the coach’s feeds. Include decision-making tasks, such as choosing between attacking or defending. Create game-like scenarios where players must solve problems on the fly.

Manipulate Constraints

Constraints shape behaviour by limiting or expanding the possibilities for action.

Examples include:

• Task Constraints: Set specific goals, like hitting a certain area of the court or playing with a time limit.

• Environmental Constraints: Change the court dimensions, use different balls, or play on varying surfaces.

• Individual Constraints: Adjust for the player’s skill level, physical capabilities, or preferences.

Encourage Exploration

Instead of prescribing the “correct” way to hit a shot, allow players to experiment. For example:

• Challenge them to hit a drop shot, then a deep topspin shot, and reflect on how they adjusted their movements.

• Ask them to find three different ways to win a point.

• Provide Feedback That Focuses on Outcomes

• Avoid micromanaging technique. Instead, provide feedback based on the outcome of the shot and the decision-making process behind it.

The Evidence Behind Variability in Practice

Research supports the idea that variability enhances skill acquisition:

Davids et al. (2008): Highlighted the importance of representative learning environments in developing adaptable, game-ready skills.

Renshaw et al. (2010): Demonstrated that variable practice improves the transfer of skills to real-world performance.

Chow et al. (2016): Found that non-linear pedagogy, which incorporates variability, leads to better problem-solving and decision-making in athletes.

Rethinking Repetition for Better Tennis Players

Repetition without repetition challenges the traditional approach to tennis coaching by prioritizing adaptability, decision-making, and perception-action coupling. It aligns with the realities of tennis, where no two points are the same, and prepares players to thrive in unpredictable match conditions.Ready to Break Free from Path Dependency? Join “From Drills to Skills”

If you’re ready to question the traditional norms and move beyond confirmation bias, I invite you to check out my “From Drills to Skills” course. Designed with modern skill acquisition theories in mind, this course will guide you in creating practices that focus on adaptability, decision-making, and real-game scenarios. You’ll learn how to implement representative learning environments and challenge players in ways that traditional drills can’t.

Breaking free from confirmation bias isn’t easy, but it’s essential if we want to develop players who can thrive in the dynamic, unpredictable environment of competitive tennis. With the right tools and an open mind, you can make coaching decisions that truly benefit your players and bring fresh insight into the way tennis coaching is approached.

https://mytenniscoaching.com/drills-to-skills-fast-track-to-match-success/