Focus of Attention in Coach Instructions for Technique Training in Sports: A Scrutinized Review of Review Studies

Abstract

Literature reports superior performance when focusing one’s attention during a movement on environmental effects of that movement (external focus, EF) compared to focusing on the moving body (internal focus, IF). Nevertheless, IF instructions still play an important role in the daily practice of coaches, trainers, and therapists. The current review compiles evidence for focus-of-attention concepts on movement form corrections and technique training. Reviews on the topic and selected additional papers addressing the effect of attentional focus on movement form or on kinetic, kinematic or muscle activity data were included. Both EF and IF instructions affect movement form. The reviews revealed that IF instructions seem to be better applicable to direct movement form changes than EF instructions. In contrast, EF instructions better facilitate optimization within the whole-body coordination, often resulting in better performance outcomes not directly linked to movement pattern changes. Several studies discuss focus-of-attention effects in the context of the optimal feedback control theory expanding on the constrained action hypothesis. In summary, EF and IF instructions both affect form and performance of movements, however, their relative efficacy is situation dependent. The often-purported superiority of EF over IF instructions cannot be generalized to all application contexts.

Attentional focus strategies in racket sports: A systematic review

“…Similarly, numerous other review studies support the notion that implementing an EF results in superior motor learning and performance compared to an IF [15,40]. However, according to a recent umbrella review conducted by Werner et al [41], there is insufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of implementing EF instruction for technique training in sports. To make precise adjustments to movement techniques, it is recommended to consider the utilization of attentional cues, specifically through the utilization of IF instructions.…”