In this article I will try to define what we mean when we talk about the focus in sport, and on which depends the development of skills related to the focus.
Some of the popular misconceptions concerning the topic of focus are:
- The focus can not be train. This assumption destroys the very fact that every sports training are also training focus.
- The focus is a stable characteristic of an individual. This reveals misleading situation that none of us can avoid fatigue. Just fatigue causes decrease of focus, and some other normal physiological needs such as hunger and thirst.
- The focus falls with age. Many abilities actually falling with age. The focus is not one of them.
- The focus depends on our intelligence. This claim has no confirmation in scientific research, so we can call this claim fallacy.
- The focus is simple. By all accounts, focus, like any other individual characteristics is not simple and requires an individualized approach to development.
So, focus is the ability that depends on numerous factors, can be improved by specific training, and develops through experience.
What affects the focus?
- The level of training
- Physical preparedness
- The tolerance to stressful situations
- The attitude and approach
- Perceptual skills
- Patience
- Anxiety
How to develop focus?
There are many ways for the development of focus, some of them are:
- Determination of focus points at the performance of technical and / or tactical element
- Visualization like techniques for training focus
- The introduction of the exercises for focus specifically developed in the context of a particular sport
- Using rituals in training and competitions
Given the previously stated complexity of focus, we can conclude that the focus can be developed for all athletes, but only if we find the right method that will athlete regularly use. Particularly good results will be when we practice focus with everyday sports daily routine. Mental training here offer many opportunities for both - athletes and coaches.
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