SEHS Test Chapter C2.2 Attention Control Flashcards
(10 cards)
Discuss situation awareness
Situation awareness is the ability to accurately perceive and understand what is happening in your surroundings in real time. It involves recognizing important cues, anticipating possible outcomes, and making quick decisions based on this information. In sports, athletes rely on situation awareness to predict opponents’ actions and adapt their own strategies accordingly. This skill improves reaction times and overall performance by keeping athletes mentally alert and prepared. Strong situation awareness also helps reduce errors and increase safety during fast-paced activities. Developing this ability is essential for success in both individual and team sports.
What is the differences between broad external focus and broad internal focus?
Broad external focus refers to paying attention to multiple external elements simultaneously, such as observing teammates, opponents, and the ball during a game. This type of focus helps athletes understand the overall environment and make quick, effective decisions. In contrast, broad internal focus involves being aware of various internal factors like breathing, muscle tension, or strategy. This focus enhances self-awareness and helps manage physical and mental states during performance. Both types of focus are important depending on the situation: broad external focus improves awareness of the surroundings, while broad internal focus supports control over the body and mind. Learning to switch effectively between these focuses can enhance performance in sports and everyday activities.
What is the differences between narrow internal focus and narrow external focus?
Narrow internal focus involves concentrating closely on specific internal sensations or thoughts, such as your breathing, muscle tension, or a particular technique during a movement. This type of focus helps with body control and maintaining precision. In contrast, narrow external focus is when you direct your attention to a single external object or cue, like the ball, a target, or a specific opponent. This helps improve accuracy and timing in skills such as shooting or hitting. Both types of narrow focus are essential for tasks that require detailed attention and fine control. Understanding when to use narrow internal or external focus can improve performance and minimize distractions.
Discuss internal and external distractors
Internal distractors originate from within the athlete’s own mind or body, such as anxiety, fatigue, or negative thoughts about performance. These distractions can impair focus and decision-making during a game or activity. External distractors come from the surrounding environment, including loud noises, crowd movement, or opponents attempting to divert attention. Both internal and external distractors can disrupt concentration and reduce performance if not managed effectively. Athletes use mental strategies like deep breathing and focus cues to overcome these distractions. Understanding and managing both types of distractors is essential for maintaining concentration and achieving peak performance.
What is controlled distraction
Controlled distraction is when an athlete intentionally allows certain distractions but manages their focus to maintain effective performance. Rather than blocking out every external or internal stimulus, they learn to control which distractions to ignore and which to use to their advantage. For example, a basketball player might tune out the crowd noise but stay alert to a teammate’s signals. Controlled distraction helps athletes stay relaxed and adaptable in fast-paced situations. It improves focus by balancing awareness without becoming overwhelmed. Developing this skill builds mental toughness and enhances performance under pressure.
What are performance goals
Performance goals focus on improving your own skills and abilities rather than simply winning or outperforming others. They are specific and measurable targets, such as running a faster time, increasing strength, or refining technique. These goals help athletes concentrate on personal progress and effort, which enhances motivation and confidence. Unlike outcome goals, performance goals are within your control because they depend on your own actions. Setting performance goals encourages consistent practice and allows you to track improvement over time. They are especially valuable during training and competition to keep focus on factors you can influence.
What are trigger words?
Trigger words are brief, powerful words or phrases that athletes use to quickly refocus their mind during performance. These words help shift attention back to the task, calm nerves, and boost confidence. For example, a runner might repeat “strong” or “breathe” to maintain their pace and stay relaxed. Trigger words act as mental cues that encourage positive thinking and minimize distractions. They are easy to remember and can be repeated silently or aloud during competition. Regular use of trigger words helps athletes develop consistency and better control over their emotions and focus.
What are the types of attention focus?
There are four main types of attention focus: broad external, broad internal, narrow external, and narrow internal. Broad external focus means taking in multiple external cues at once, such as watching players and the ball during a game. Broad internal focus involves thinking about several internal thoughts or strategies at the same time. Narrow external focus is concentrating on one specific external object, like aiming at a target. Narrow internal focus is when you focus closely on a single internal sensation, such as your breathing or muscle tension. Understanding how to switch between these different types of focus helps athletes adapt and perform better in various situations.
What is arousal and attention narrowing?
Arousal is the state of being mentally and physically alert or energized, which influences performance. As arousal levels increase, the body prepares for action, but excessive arousal can cause stress or anxiety. Attention narrowing occurs when high arousal makes your focus very narrow, causing you to concentrate on only a few cues while ignoring others. This can be useful for simple tasks but can be detrimental in complex situations that require wider awareness. Finding the optimal level of arousal is important to maintain the right balance of attention and performance. Managing arousal and attention narrowing is essential for athletes to stay focused without becoming overwhelmed.
From the above question, explain the advantages and disadvantages
The advantage of attention narrowing is that it allows athletes to concentrate intensely on the most important cues, which improves performance in tasks that require quick reactions or precision. It helps reduce distractions by filtering out irrelevant information. However, the disadvantage is that if attention becomes too narrow, athletes might miss important details in their surroundings, leading to errors, especially in complex or unpredictable situations. While high arousal can enhance focus, it can also increase anxiety, negatively affecting decision-making. Therefore, balancing arousal and attention narrowing is crucial to maintain both concentration and awareness. Developing control over this balance helps improve overall performance under pressure.
