 Key to success is the ability to focus on the task at hand.  Athletes need to focus on relevant cues and ignore distracting cues.  Athletes have the ability to focus on and perform multiple tasks at the same time but the capacity is limited.  Effective concentration is maintaining an uninterrupted connection between internal and external signals, rather then thinking about one or the other.

 Sports psychologists link ‘self 1’ and ‘self 2’ to demonstrate effective concentration.  These are internal voices and emotions that provide direction for behavior.  Improved concentration is most effective when these two sides work cohesively SELF 1SELF 2 Focus on instructions, listens to directions, ask questions and is aware of criticism. Focus on action, execution and task completion.

 Concentration requirements vary with the sport:  In sports such as: distance running, cycling, tennis, and squash, continuous concentration is required.  In other sports like: cricket, golf, shooting, and athletic field events, short bursts of concentration are necessary.  Intense concentration is needed for high intensity sports like: sprinting events, bobsled, and skiing

 There are many factors that effect an individual’s concentration: ◦ Anxiety, fatigue, coaches, negative thoughts, the public opinions, injury, making a mistake and being over confident.

 There are many ways to maintain concentration although it depends on each individual.  One way to is to set process goals throughout each session while having an overall goal.  Athletes will develop a routine for competition that may be conducted the night before, the morning of, pre competition, competition and post competition rituals.  Athletes will do this same routine every competition.

 How to use Focus and Concentration 