From the Lesson Tee to the Course: A Naturalistic Investigation of Attentional Focus in Elite Golf

in The Sport Psychologist

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Steven OrrInstitute for Coaching and Performance, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom

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Andrew CruickshankInstitute for Coaching and Performance, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom
Grey Matters Performance Ltd., Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom

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Howie J. CarsonInstitute for Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences, Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.2021-0003
Keywords:
coaching; focus of attention; motor control; sport psychology; training
First Published Online:
12 Oct 2021
In Print:
Volume 35: Issue 4
Page Range:
305–319
Restricted access

While debate continues on “optimal” attentional focus, little empirical knowledge exists on the way that attention is operationalized across training and performance in elite golf. Accordingly, this study aimed to (a) explore the attentional foci promoted or used by coaches and players for different types of shots in training, plus their underpinning rationale and (b) explore the attentional foci promoted or used by coaches and players in competition, plus their underpinning rationale. Our findings revealed that (a) various foci were used across training and competition; (b) all players used different combinations of foci across training and competition, and within different aspects of training itself (e.g., short vs. long game); and (c) players often used alternative or additional foci in training to those promoted by coaches, and self-generated foci for competition. These results highlight the complexity and practical reality that needs to underpin future advances in theory, research, and practice.

Orr (steven@stevenorrcoaching.com) is corresponding author.

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