Original scientific paper

External focus of attention enhances discus throwing performance

Mehdi Zarghami ; Department of Physical Education & Sport Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Iran
Esmaeel Saemi orcid.org/0000-0003-2265-9482 ; Department of Physical Education & Sport Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Iran
Islam Fathi ; Department of Physical Education & Sport Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Iran

Abstract

A performer’s focus of attention has been shown to influence motor performance and learning in a variety of motor skills. The purpose of the current study was to examine the effects of an external and internal focus of attention on discus throwing. Participants (N=20; mean age: 22 years, SD: 1.58) were recruited from an undergraduate male student population that had limited experience with the task. Using a within-participants design, all participants completed five maximum effort trials under each attentional focus condition (external
and internal). The results of a repeated-measures ANCOVA revealed that participants had a significantly more effective performance in external focus of attention condition compared with the internal attentional focus. These findings are in line with the previous studies showing enhanced motor performance as a result of using external versus internal focus of attention. Therefore, it is suggested that coaches and practitioners give instructions that promote an external focus of attention.

Keywords

external attentional focus; internal attentional focus; constrained action hypothesis; motor performance

Hrčak ID:

83589

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/83589

Publication date:

30.6.2012.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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