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The aim of this study was to investigate the role of attention in skilled performance in real conditions, using a mixed-method study. Fourteen expert judo player participated in the study. The stimulated recall was used in the qualitative phase of the study to explore athletes’ attention in real competitive conditions. In the quantitative portion of the study, number and percentages of foci in preparation phase, execution phase, and total (preparation +execution) were associated with performance movement time. Our results indicated that while attention during execution phase was not associated with performance time, attention in the preparation phase was associated with better performance time. specifically, less attentional cues with higher percentages of focus on the opponent resulted in more quick performances. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that focus on opponent during preparation phase is associated with superior technique execution during real competitions.