1. Concentration = Attention? William James: WILL is the combination of attention (focused consciousness) & effort (overcoming distractions, fears…) What Is Concentration?

2. Kangaroo Concentration

3. What Is Concentration? Focusing on relevant environmental cues Selective attention: Select what cues to focus on while disregarding others. Maintaining attentional focus Situation awareness Ability to understand what is going on around oneself (size up a situation). <--------- Three components of concentration

4. Concentration and Optimal Performance being “absorbed in the present” and having no thoughts about past or future, being mentally relaxed and having a high degree of concentration and control, and practicing & using mental skills routinely, and preparing for adversity Reminder: Elite athlete peak performance is associated with:

5. Four Types of Attentional Focus WIDTH DIRECTION Broad Narrow External Internal

6. Shifting Attentional Focus When the environment changes rapidly, attentional focus must also change rapidly. Time pressures during a competition make this difficult.

7. Attentional Problems Attending to past events (e.g., what was?) Internal distractions Attending to future events (e.g., what if?) “Choking” under pressure Overanalysis of body mechanics Fatigue

8. Attentional Problems Visual distractions External distractions Auditory distractions Gamesmanship

9. Foul Play

10. Choking as an Attentional Problem An attentional process that leads to impaired performance and the inability to retain control over performance

11. Choking = An Attentional Problem

12. Exercises for Improving Concentration Learn to maintain focus 1. Learn to shift attention 2. “Park” thoughts 3. Search for relevant cues 4. Perform useless tasks daily; and **6. Practice pre-performance routines 5.

13. Example of Pre-performance Routine for Tennis Serve Determine positioning and foot placement. 1. Decide on service type and placement. 2. Adjust racquet grip and ball. 3. Take a deep breath. 4. Bounce the ball for rhythm. 5. See and feel the perfect serve. 6. Focus on the ball toss and serve to programmed spot. 7.