Which of the following practice alternatives would best promote motor learning and safety for potentially injurious sports such as pole vaulting and downhill skiing?

The progressive-part practice method is particularly effective for complex motor skills, such as those required in pole vaulting and downhill skiing, because it allows for the skill to be broken down into smaller, manageable components. Learners first master individual parts of the skill separately before gradually integrating these parts into a whole. This incremental approach not only enhances motor learning by allowing the athlete to focus on the specifics of each segment but also significantly promotes safety.

By mastering each part of the skill, athletes can build confidence and technique before attempting the more challenging and potentially dangerous aspects of the activity. In inherently risky sports like pole vaulting and downhill skiing, breaking down the skill into progressive components helps to reduce the likelihood of injury by ensuring that athletes are well-prepared for every element of the skill they will ultimately perform as a whole.

Other practice methods, while useful in specific situations, do not provide the same level of controlled mastery over complex, integrative movements. Whole-part practice could lead to athletes prematurely attempting to perform the entire skill without adequate preparation in its components, which may increase the risk of injury. Fixed practice does not allow for the adaptation of skills in varying environments, which is critical in dynamic sports. Random practice can enhance retention and transfer of skills but may not