What is the correct verb tense to replace "practicing" in this context?

In this context, using the simple past tense is appropriate because it indicates that the action of practicing has been completed in the past. The simple past tense conveys a clear timeframe, showing that the practicing occurred at a specific point in the past and is no longer ongoing. This helps to clarify the sequence of events in relation to other past actions.

When considering the other options, the past perfect tense would suggest that the action of practicing occurred before another past action, which isn't necessarily indicated in this context. The present perfect progressive tense emphasizes ongoing actions that started in the past and continue to the present, which wouldn't fit if the intent is to highlight a completed action. The infinitive form expresses the idea of practicing without specifying a tense, which doesn't convey the temporal aspect that the question requires. Thus, the use of the simple past is the most fitting choice for indicating that the action has concluded.