The Effects of Altering Focus of Attention when Performing the Weight Throw

Previous research has demonstrated that adopting an external focus of attention rather than an internal focus of attention results in superior motor performance in a variety of sport and game settings. This study is the first to investigate if an external or internal focus of attention resulted in better practice performance and enhanced learning, as measured during an actual track and field meet, in the weight throw. It was hypothesized that an external focus of attention would result in superior performance marks and more effective learning than an internal focus of attention. Using a mixed-method design, highly skilled Division I athletes (N = 11) completed two days of ten practice trials, separated by 24 hours. A transfer test was completed 48 hours after the last practice session during a scheduled Division I track and field’s meet. Data  were analyzed using a univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results showed that no significant differences were found between both experimental conditions during practice and between all three experimental conditions during the transfer test. Even though no significant differences were found the internal group, in competition and practice, had notably better performances compared to the external and  control condition groups.