An external focusing strategy was beneficial in experienced children but not in novices: The effect of external focus, internal focus, and holistic attention strategies

Abstract

External focus (attention directed to an intended effect) has been shown to improve motor performance compared to internal focus (attention directed to body movements). Recently, holistic attention (attention directed to the overall feeling) has been discussed as an effective alternative. We hypothesized that a less specific cue (e.g. holistic attention) may be more effective than an external focus in experienced individuals. Therefore, the present study examined the effect of external focus, internal focus, and holistic attention on 14 experienced children-athletes ( Mage, 14.35 ± 1.98 years; Mheight, 171.28 ± 9.53 cm; Mweight, 58.28 ± 10.28 kg) and 14 novice children ( Mage, 14.21 ± 1.92 years; Mheight, 170.92 ± 12.40 cm; Mweight, 62.14 ± 15.62 kg). Participants completed a 16-meter front crawl swimming task with assigned instructions for three trials per condition. The results showed main effects of skill level ( p < 0.001), condition ( p = 0.006), and the skill level/condition interaction ( p = 0.003). Post hoc tests revealed that external focus was superior to internal focus ( p < 0.001), with no difference between holistic attention and internal focus ( p = 0.158) or holistic attention and external focus ( p = 0.05) in the experienced athletes, while none of the conditions were different in novices. The benefits of attentional focus may be influenced by the level of experience.