KP 181 - Attention Control

Define Attention

multidimension construct having at least 2 components

2 Components of Attention

1) Limited Resource

2) Selectivity

Limited Resource

• capacity models

• initial learning of skill requires conscious attention and awareness

• increase proficiceny = processing is more automatic

Selectivity

• we attend some info and ignore the rest

• task relevant vs task irrelevant cues

Width and Direction of Attentional Focus

• external broad

• external narrow

• internal broad

• internal narrow

External Broad

• assessing

• whole field of play

External Narrow

• acting

• specifc outside cues

Internal Broad

• analyzing

• planning and rehersal

Internal Narrow

• preparing

• narrow and mental rehearsal

Expert Attention

• better anticipation due to advanced cues

• able to attend opponent patterns

• systematic cue searching

Inattentional Blindess

• fail to notice unexpected even if it is relevant

Attentional Styles

1) Task Relevance

2) Directions of Attention

Task Relevance

1) Assoicative - focus the task

2) Distraction - irrelevant cues

Direction of Attention

1) Associative (internal = breathing) (external = route)

2) Distraction (internal = daydream) (external = the view)

Attention Control Strategies

1) Attention Stimulating Training

2) Performance Routines

3) Attentional Cues

4) Imagery

5 ) Mindfulness

Attention Stimulating Training

practice like you play

• weather

• crowd

• team

• defense

Performance Routines

• pre event hype up

• pre performance routine (swing arms)

Attentional Cues

• verbal

• physcial

• visual

Imagery

• preparation

• pre preformance event routine

Mindfulness

• complementary intervention

• meditation