Diminishing Returns

Total progress and additional progress differ

The first block helped. The second added something. What are you learning in the third identical block? Extra input may contribute less additional progress if everything else stays the same. Economics calls this diminishing marginal returns. The total may still grow while each addition becomes smaller. For training this is an analogy, not a fixed learning curve for every repetition.

In martial arts, the comparable question is what the next block contributes under the present conditions. Attention may be the limiting factor, focused feedback may be missing, or the task may already be too easy. More minutes then do not necessarily produce the desired development. Identify which problem remains unresolved before deciding that greater volume is the appropriate answer.

A boxer repeats a pad combination many times. Distance becomes more precise initially. Later, the same mistake returns because the exit is not being recognised. Another identical block increases repetition count without necessarily clarifying that information problem. A shorter block containing one relevant partner response may provide more value.

A grappler spends many free rounds refining a strong top position while the largest difficulty is transitioning from bottom. The model does not demand abandoning a speciality. It asks whether the next twenty minutes there contribute more than focused work on the transition that gives access to the strong game. The answer depends on the athlete's goal rather than a rule that everyone should spread practice equally.