Recent research addresses limitations in the focus of attention literature, exploring the effects of directing attention internally and externally in motor learning and skill acquisition. The podcast discusses the benefits of external focus of attention, critiques of internal focus cues, and introduces two studies that examine the use of different cues and the effectiveness of internal focus cues in training scenarios. The impact of different focus cues on standing long jump performance is also discussed, highlighting how internal cues can lead to shorter jumps. The importance of individualized cues and the need for further research involving coaches and their cues is emphasized.
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Quick takeaways
Using different cues across training sessions does not diminish the superior performance and learning outcomes associated with an external focus of attention.
Vague and unrealistic internal focus cues used in previous studies limit the generalizability of findings, suggesting the need for more specific and relevant cues.
Deep dives
Different cues do not change the benefit of external focus
This podcast episode discusses two studies that address criticisms of the focus of attention literature. One study examined whether using different cues across training sessions would alter the benefit of an external focus. The researchers found that even when different cues were used, the external focus still resulted in superior performance and learning outcomes.
Critiques of the internal focus cues used in previous research
Another criticism raised about the focus of attention literature is the use of vague and unrealistic internal focus cues. The podcast highlights that many internal cues used in previous studies are not specific or relevant to what a coach would actually use. This limits the generalizability of the findings. The episode discusses a study that compared the effects of different internal focus cues on performance in a standing long jump, highlighting that these cues were less effective than having no cue at all.
The need for individualized cues and further research
The podcast episode concludes by suggesting the importance of individualized cues and further research in the focus of attention literature. It highlights the need to compare internal and external cues that are tailored to the specific needs of individual athletes, as well as cues that coaches commonly use. Individualized cues are seen as a crucial aspect for fully understanding the benefits of external focus and addressing the remaining criticisms of the literature.
A look at a couple new studies addressing some of the commonly raised criticisms of the FOA literature. Does the benefit of an external focus change when you use multiple different cues across sessions or change the location of the internal focus of attention cue?