Focus of Attention M&L Week 6

What is meant by focus of attention?

Direction of performers attention to a particular source of information during an execution of a movement.  

• Where we direct our attention can influence how perform and learn movement skills 

What types of focus did Wulf discover?

External focus of attention- performer's focus of attention is directed to the effect of the action 

Internal- attention is directed to the action itself 

What are the different dimensions with attentional focus?

Dimension- Description

Internal- Body

External- attention directed to movement effects

Proximal- attention to nearby or immediate movement effects

Distal- Attention directed to distant movement effect

Narrow- attention to relatively limited range of information

Broad- attention towards wide range of information

How can the effects of attentional focus be studied in golf? Bell & Hardy, 2009

Internal - Focus on arm movement and wrist hinge.

Proximal external - Focus on the clubface through impact.

Distal external - Focus on the flight of the ball.

How might attentional focus influence movement?

Wulf, McNevin and Shea suggest internal focuses have conscious attention towards individual body movements and may interfere with automatic motor control process. 

• External focus- attention can be directed towards the intended movement effect allow motor system to self-organise naturally. 

What is attentional demand?

Internal focus may increase conscious monitoring of movement may increase demands on attentional resources.

External focus may allow more automatic movement control.

What is movement efficency?

External focus associated with changes in muscle activation- may support more economical movement organisation.

Performance may improve without requiring greater muscular effort.

Does external focus improve learning? 

Internal focus- attention directed towards arm movements, specific instructions about arm positions during the backswing, forward swing and follow through.  

External focus- attention directed to the movement of the club 

• focus on clubhead movement and weight. 

 

How can we use attentional focus in coaching?

By giving specific internal and external advice to performer of movement to give them high chance of success.

Internal instruction- Extend your elbow

Potential external alternative- Send the ball through the target.

What did Wulf, Lauterbach and Toole (1999) discover when does external focus improve learning?

22 participants with no previous golf experience. Chipping task using a 9-iron. Target positioned 15 metres away

Internal focus- Attention directed towards arm movements.

Specific instructions about arm positions during the backswing, forward swing and follow-through.

External focus- Attention directed towards movement of golf club.

Focus on the clubhead's movement and weight

How did Bernier et al (2011) study the attentional focus of expert golfers in training and competition?

Seven expert golfers observed during training and competition. Video recordings and interviews used to explore attentional focus. Identified four categories:

Process- swing and movement  

Result- outcome of shot  

Psychological rate- anxiety and pressure  

Environment- strategy, conditions and distractions 

How did Toner and Moran (2011) study effects of conscious processing on golf putting proficiency and kinematics?

Experienced golfers completed a putting task.

Movement characteristics were measured using SAM PuttLab.

Participants completed normal putting and conscious technical adjustment conditions.

Researchers examined whether changing technique affected performance and movement consistency.

What is conscious control?

Conscious control- Deliberately trying to alter or manipulate a movement to improve technique. 

Example: consciously changing the position of the putter during the stroke.

What is conscious monitoring?

Observing or being aware of aspects of movement without necessarily trying to change them. 

Example: noticing the feel of the putter during the stroke. 

What did Toner and Moran find?

Technical adjustments did not necessarily improve putting proficiency. 

Conscious control did not consistently disrupt performance. 

Movement consistency could be affected. 

The effects of conscious attention may depend on what the performer is trying to achieve

What is Somaesthetic awareness? Toner and Moran

An individual's awareness of their own bodily sensations and movement 

A golfer may be aware of the feel of the putter, the rhythm of the stroke and contact with the ball without consciously controlling every part of the movement.