Self-Reported Focus of Attention of Collegiate Baseball Players

The purpose of the present study was to examine collegiate baseball player’s self-reported focus of attention for three instances requiring performance of their baseball swing (i.e. during practice, on-deck and in-game at bats). Seventeen collegiate baseball players were recruited for the study. All players completed an on-line questionnaire that required them to choose amongst alternatives considered an internal focus (e.g. body position) or external focus of attention (e.g. bat) or ‘other’ (preferred focus of attention options not listed on questionnaire) when in practice, when on-deck and during their –in game batting. The responses provided by participants were retrospective based on the fact the questionnaire was completed once the baseball season was over. We predicted the following:1) during practice, a more frequent report of an internal focus of attention was expected based on the refinement of hitting mechanics; 2) a mix of internal and external focus of attention when on-deck; 3) and a more frequently reported external focus of attention during in game at bats. The results supported our predictions. Collegiate batters self-reported a change in focus of attention based on when they were required to perform their batting action. The results of the present experiment offer important practical implications for the baseball coach when directing collegiate batters focus of attention during practice, on-deck and in-game at bats.

Keywords: Focus of Attention, Motor Performance, Athletes.