Deliberate Practice Checklist
Practice Design
Identified specific sub-skills needing improvement
Assessed current performance level objectively
Determined the gap between current and desired performance
Designed targeted activities addressing specific weaknesses
Established clear success criteria for each practice activity
Created appropriate challenge level (70-80% success rate)
Planned appropriate practice duration to maintain quality
Built in progression to increase difficulty as skills improve
Practice Environment Setup
Created distraction-free practice space
Gathered all necessary tools and resources
Set up recording equipment if needed for feedback
Prepared reference materials or examples
Arranged for any necessary assistance or observation
Eliminated potential interruptions
Optimized physical comfort for sustained focus
Prepared mental state for focused practice
Feedback Mechanisms
Established specific feedback criteria
Created methods to measure performance objectively
Set up immediate feedback loops where possible
Arranged external feedback when necessary
Prepared self-assessment protocols
Created recording methods for tracking progress
Developed specific questions for analyzing performance
Established comparison standards (models, exemplars)
Practice Session Structure
Set specific, measurable goals for the session
Began with brief warm-up of fundamentals
Included focused work on targeted weaknesses
Incorporated varied challenges addressing the same skill
Scheduled short breaks to maintain mental freshness
Included integration of new skills with established abilities
Ended with reflection and planning for next session
Documented key observations and insights
Types of Practice Activities
Included isolation exercises for specific components
Created constraint practices that limit certain aspects
Designed progressive loading to systematically increase challenge
Developed simulation practices mimicking performance conditions
Created error-based practices focusing on common mistakes
Included variability practices with changing conditions
Designed integration exercises combining multiple skills
Created transfer activities applying skills in new contexts
During Practice
Maintained full attention and focus
Worked at the edge of current abilities
Monitored performance quality continuously
Made real-time adjustments based on results
Persisted through productive struggle
Avoided mindless repetition
Analyzed errors when they occurred
Maintained awareness of technique and form
Post-Practice Analysis
Reviewed performance against session goals
Identified specific strengths demonstrated
Pinpointed continuing or new weaknesses
Analyzed patterns in errors or difficulties
Compared current to previous performance
Determined most effective practice elements
Identified insights about skill or learning process
Documented key observations for future reference
Practice Refinement
Adjusted future practice based on session results
Modified challenge level if too easy or difficult
Redesigned ineffective practice activities
Created new exercises targeting identified weaknesses
Adjusted feedback mechanisms as needed
Updated success criteria based on progress
Planned specific focus for next practice session
Considered need for expert input or new approaches
Maintaining Motivation
Connected practice to meaningful long-term goals
Tracked progress visibly to see improvement
Celebrated small wins and breakthroughs
Prepared strategies for overcoming plateaus
Developed productive self-talk for difficult moments
Created appropriate rewards for milestone achievements
Built identity-based motivation (“I am someone who…”)
Found social support or accountability
Recovery and Integration
Planned appropriate rest between intense sessions
Ensured adequate sleep for skill consolidation
Scheduled lighter practice days for recovery
Used visualization during rest periods
Allowed for incubation periods with difficult skills
Integrated deliberate practice with actual performance
Balanced focused practice with exploratory learning
Connected new skills to existing abilities