Effect of attentional focus in swimming

Abstract

The use of verbal instructions is a common tool to improve motor learning and performance. Current results show, that providing instructions that focus an athlete’s attention externally (directed at the movement effect), rather than internally (directed at the athlete ́s body movements), generally result in enhanced motor skill performance. This study provides a comprehensive review of the existing literature which examined the influence of verbal attentional focusing instructions in swimming. The aim of the study was to find out what kind of instructions are suitable for motor learning and swimming performance. Analysis has shown that most of the available studies are focused mainly on performance itself, not motor learning. Nevertheless, several studies have confirmed the hypothesis that externally directed instruction appears to have a more effective effect in general for competitive swimmers and also for non-competitive swimmers. Based on the results, it can also be concluded that instructions directed at driving forces (i.e. arm and leg movements) appear to have a more effective effect for performance, than instructions that lead to the correct body position or breathing. It is obvious that in comparison with other sports of a similar nature, in the field of swimming there is a need for further experiments focusing not only on performance but also on the whole process of motor learning.