What should coaches prioritize in practice to ensure effective learning progression?

Coaches should prioritize creating a balance of challenge and skill in practice to ensure effective learning progression because this approach fosters an optimal environment for athletes to develop their abilities. When the challenge level is set in conjunction with the athlete's current skill set, it encourages growth and mastery of skills without causing frustration or discouragement.

When athletes face challenges that match their skills, they are more likely to stay engaged, motivated, and willing to put in the effort required to improve. This is rooted in the concept of the "zone of proximal development," where learning occurs most effectively just beyond the athlete's current capabilities.

In contrast, focusing solely on repetition until fatigue may lead to burnout or injury without ensuring athletes are truly grasping and mastering the techniques. Additionally, prioritizing feedback primarily on tactical errors overlooks the importance of reinforcing correct execution and other aspects of performance that should be addressed simultaneously for overall development. Thus, emphasizing a balanced approach helps in cultivating athletes' skills progressively and sustainably.