Golf Research Update #8
Internal vs. External Focus of Attention
Do the effects last? A comparison between internal and external focus of attention instructions on golf putting accuracy over multiple days
What: This study examines the effects of internal focus (IF) and external focus (EF) instructions on golf putting performance over multiple days to see if the benefits of EF persist over time.
How: Thirty students performed 15 putts under three conditions: EF, IF, and control, over four days with 48-72 hours between sessions. Performance was measured by the accuracy and consistency of the putts.
Results: Initially, EF and control conditions showed better performance compared to IF on the first day. However, this advantage did not last over the subsequent days, indicating that the benefits of EF might be short-lived and influenced by novelty.
Limitations: The study used a within-subject design, where the same participants experienced all three conditions, potentially introducing bias. Retention tests, which measure how well skills are maintained over time without practice, were not included. Additionally, the small sample size and use of amateur participants may limit the generalizability to more skilled golfers.
Implications: The findings suggest that while EF may offer short-term benefits, its superiority over IF does not last. This challenges the constrained action hypothesis, which states that focusing externally helps performance by reducing conscious control. Coaches should consider that EF's benefits might diminish with familiarity due to its initial novelty.
For more insights on internal vs. external focus, check out my interview with Dr. Henrik Herrebrøden.
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