Focus of Attention

An individual’s focus of attention has an important influence on the performance of motor skills (Bliss, 1982). Focus of attention can be defined simply, as the information at which the performer’s attention or consciousness is directed (Schmidt and Wrisberg, 2000). People have the ability to control two dimensions of attention; the direction of the focus and the breadth of the focus. With regards to the direction of focus, it is important to distinguish between internal focus and external focus. Internal focus refers to the information associated with the body’s movement in producing the action. Inversely, external focus refers to the information that is the consequence of the action being produced. This blog is the first of a three part series with the aim of this blog series being to examine the direction of focus of attention within a sport and performance context. This blog will begin by exploring literature surrounding focus of attention and examine previous key studies. The second blog will explore focus of attention and its relevance the sporting performance and will include a critical analysis of the literature. The final blog will conclude by offering some practical applications and area for future research.

Wulf et al. (2013) examined the motor learning advantages of an external focus of attention relative to an internal focus for a short golf shot. Participants from the internal and external focus groups were given standardised instructions on the golf shot, prior to completing multiple performance trials. Instructions regarding focus of attention differed between the two groups. The internal focus group was instructed to focus on their body movements, whereas the external focus group was instructed to focus on the movements of the golf club. Results from the trials both practice and 24-post indicated that the external focus group achieved significantly better results. From this, Wulf et. al. concluded that an external focus of attention advantageous for motor learning during a golf swing.

Similar to findings by Wulf et al. (2013), Zarghami et al. (2012) discovered external focus to enhance discus throwing performance when compared to internal focus. Participants were instructed to either concentrate on their hand and wrist on the throwing side (internal focus group) or concentrate on the discus particularly on the landing of the discus (external focus group). Results indicated significant differences between the two control conditions in favour of the external focus group. Conclusions suggested that coaches and practitioners give instructions that promote an external focus of attention.

Further evidence supporting an external focus of attention was observed in a study by Ille et al. (2013). This study examined the effects of internal and external focus of attention of a sprint start. Ille et al. measured performance in running time and reaction time. Both reaction time and running time were significantly shorter in the external focus condition when compared to the internal focus condition. These results confirmed the beneficial effects of an external focus of attention on the speed of movement execution and affirmed findings from previous studies.

Freudenheim et al. (2010) examined the effects of attentional focus on swimming speed. Participants were instructed to focus on either “pulling hands back” or “pushing the instep down” (internal focus) or on “pushing the water back/down” (external focus). Times were significantly faster in the external focus compared with the internal focus conditions. These findings confirm the results of previous studies on focus of attention. From findings in the study it was concluded that individuals who adopt an external relative to an internal focus of attention demonstrated greater movement efficiency.

In conclusion, focus of attention has relevance for motor learning and performance. Results from a multitude of studies indicate that individuals who adopt an external focus of attention relative to an internal focus of attention demonstrate an increase in performance. The benefits of utilising an external focus of attention are shown in a number of different skills and sports including (but not limited to) golf, discus, sprinting and swimming. Focus of attention has implications for sporting performance. The next blog will explore the research methodologies and include a critical analysis of the literature.

References

Bliss, C. B. (1892). Investigations in reaction-time and attention.

Freudenheim, A. M., Wulf, G., Madureira, F., Pasetto, S. C., & Corrêa, U. C. (2010). Original Research: An External Focus of Attention Results in Greater Swimming Speed. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, 5(4), 533-542.

Ille, A., Selin, I., Do, M. C., & Thon, B. (2013). Attentional focus effects on sprint start performance as a function of skill level.

Schmidt, R. A., & Wrisberg, C. A. (2000). Motor learning and performance (Vol. 3). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Wulf, G., Lauterbach, B., & Toole, T. (1999). The learning advantages of an external focus of attention in golf. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport,70(2), 120-126.

Zarghami, M., Saemi, E., & Fathi, I. (2012). External focus of attention enhances discus throwing performance. Kinesiology, 44(1), 47-51.