Study on Optimal Theory in Skilled Athletes

A recent study delves into whether the principles of motor learning research, specifically those proposed by the optimal theory, apply to highly skilled athletes compared to novices. The study investigates the impact of factors like external focus of attention, variability of practice, and choice in autonomous practice on elite athletes. It explores how autonomy support and attentional focus interact to influence training for basketball shooters, challenging the notion that these concepts mainly benefit novices.