Few studies have investigated dimensions of attention out of laboratory settings. The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction between internal/external and associative and dissociative attention and its role in expert judo players’ technical performance during competition. mixed method approach with parallel-design was used. In the qualitative section of the study, expert judo players’ attentional strategy was explored using self-confrontation interviews. In the quantitative part of the study, differences between reported foci in successful versus unsuccessful trials was tested.  Analysis of interview transcripts revealed that expert judo players had more focus on external-associative dimension in both preparation and execution phases. In addition, results of chi-square test indicated a significant difference between judo players’ focus of attention in successful versus unsuccessful trials (p < 0.05) with more focus on external-associative attention in successful trials. In conclusion, while this study does not support use or advantages of dissociative attention in skilled performers, provided more support for constrained-action hypothesis as indicated more use and advantages of adopting an external-associative focus for expert level judo players.
 

Keywords: Expertise, Judo, constrained action hypothesis, explicit monitoring

     

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