Optimizing Attentional Focus

Document Type

Book Section

Publication Date

4-14-2020

Publication Title

Handbook of Sport Psychology

Edition

4

First page number:

651

Last page number:

665

Abstract

This chapter focuses on sport skills and their underlying movement foundations. It reviews findings of studies that examined the effects of an instructed external focus versus internal focus (or control conditions) on the performance or learning of sports‐related skills. The chapter discusses whether skill level affects the value of external focus, how the "distance" of the external focus away from the performer influences effectiveness, and the distinction between concentration‐related attentional focus and visual effects on attention. It explains the mechanisms by which the external focus might contribute to optimal performance and learning. The chapter reviews the predominant characteristics or requirements of the skill: movement accuracy, form, and efficiency. Many sport skills, including those that involve throwing, serving, kicking, or hitting balls, require accuracy, and numerous studies have assessed movement accuracy as a function of attentional focus. Other sport skills are predominantly judged on the basis of movement form (e.g., ballet, gymnastics).

Keywords

Sport skills; Movement foundations; External focus; Internal focus

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences | Sports Sciences

Language

English

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