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Can a pre-performance routine help, and how would we know?

A familiar sequence before a free throw might organize attention, or it might simply accompany a well-practiced skill. One small study compared different routines while novices learned basketball free throws. Its abstract describes a specific training comparison, not evidence that any ritual will improve any performance.

3–7 min

Questions you could explore

  • What should a comparison group do to separate the routine’s effect from extra practice?
  • Would a benefit remain if the routine were removed?

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Sports and games

Can you count tournament matches by counting the losers?

A knockout bracket may look complicated, especially when someone gets a bye. In a completed two-player single-elimination tournament with one loser per match, each played match removes one entrant until only the winner remains.

3–5 min
Can a pre-performance routine help, and how would we know? | Speech Topic | speaking.app