Impact of Focus of Attention in MMA Striking

The use of external focus of attention instructions significantly enhances performance in mixed martial arts striking. Studies show that when athletes direct their attention to the target they are striking rather than the mechanics of their movement, they generate greater force and speed in their punches. For example, a 2017 study indicated that boxers instructed to focus on hitting the target performed better than those focusing internally on their arm movements. This suggests that external focus promotes a more automatic mode of execution, which aligns with the constrained action hypothesis that posits internal focus undermines automaticity.