“Alive” Vs. “Dead” Repetitions

“Alive” repetitions refer to training or practice situations that are dynamic, contextual, and non-repetitive in a fixed sense. The term contrasts with traditional, mechanically focused repetitions (like drills performed in a rigid, predictable environment). “Alive” repetitions involve real-world variability, adaptation, and contextual engagement, encouraging athletes to respond to changing situations in a more fluid and natural manner, much like they would in competition.
 
Here’s a deeper look into what “alive” repetitions mean within the context of ecological dynamics:
 
Ecological Dynamics emphasizes that learning in sports is not about just repeating actions in a closed environment (like shooting 100 free throws from the same spot), but about practicing actions that are influenced by the environment and task constraints. In “alive” repetitions, athletes are exposed to the variability and uncertainty they’ll face in real competition.
 
For example, in basketball, instead of practicing a jump shot from the same position over and over, a player might practice shooting under different defensive pressures, moving in various directions, or making decisions based on how the defense is positioned. These repetitions are alive because they mimic real game conditions with ever-changing contexts.
 
“Alive” repetitions encourage athletes to adapt their movements in response to changing conditions. In traditional training, movements can become robotic or overly precise, devoid of flexibility. In ecological dynamics, however, the idea is that athletes need to develop adaptable, flexible movement patterns.
 
For example, in soccer, instead of dribbling through cones in a straight line, an athlete may practice dribbling through varying obstacles or in response to an opponent’s movements, forcing them to adapt their dribbling technique and decision-making in real-time. These repetitions are alive because the athlete is continually adapting to the ever-changing environment.
 
“Alive” repetitions are based on the principle of perception-action coupling, meaning that an athlete’s movements are tightly linked with their perception of the environment. In real competition, athletes must perceive and respond to informational sources (like the movement of the ball, opponent, or team strategies).
 
In a “dead” repetition (like a controlled drill), the athlete might perform a movement without having to adjust based on external factors. In an “alive” repetition, the athlete constantly perceives and responds to these factors. For example, in tennis, a player might engage in a rally where the ball speed, spin, and placement vary, forcing them to adjust their movements and strategies continuously.
 
Ecological dynamics stress that skill acquisition and athletic development are not linear processes. “Alive” repetitions reflect this non-linearity. Instead of performing the same set of movements in a predictable way, the athlete faces a range of possible outcomes that require them to continually adjust their behavior.
 
For instance, in rugby, a player might practice passing while running at varying speeds, with teammates making unpredictable movements. These “alive” repetitions reflect the uncertainty and adaptability required in actual gameplay.
 
“Alive” repetitions often involve decision-making and intentionality. In training, athletes engage in decision-making about when and how to perform actions, which is a critical skill in sporting situations.
 
For example, in football, a quarterback might practice throwing under pressure with varying defensive schemes, forcing them to decide where to throw and when, based on the movement of the defenders. In contrast to a drill where a quarterback might simply throw passes at a stationary target, these repetitions are alive because they require mental engagement, awareness, and decision-making in real-time.
 
One of the key principles of “alive” repetitions is the transferability of skills to actual competition. Training in highly controlled, rigid environments may lead to the development of motor patterns that do not translate well into actual gameplay, where the context is dynamic and varied. “Alive” repetitions allow skills to transfer more directly to the game context because the practice involves the same variability and situational awareness needed in actual performance.
 
“Alive” repetitions mirror the dynamic, unpredictable nature of sports, where athletes must continually perceive and act in response to shifting conditions. These types of repetitions build adaptability, decision-making, and real-world transferability in athletic performance, making them crucial for developing skilled athletes who can perform optimally in the complexity of actual competition.