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Importance of Jumping Ability in Handball Throwing Speed and Accuracy
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Skilled Throwing Performance: A Test of the OPTIMAL Theory.

Jacquelyn V L Sertic1, Jason M Avedesian1, James W Navalta1

  • 1Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA.

International Journal of Exercise Science
|May 31, 2021
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Summary

The OPTIMAL theory did not improve elite softball throwing performance or self-efficacy. This may be because athletes naturally use an external focus and already have high self-efficacy.

Keywords:
Autonomyattentional focusenhanced expectanciesexternal focusmotivationself-efficacy

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Area of Science:

  • Motor learning
  • Sport psychology
  • Biomechanics

Background:

  • The OPTIMAL theory suggests autonomy support, enhanced expectancies, and external focus improve motor learning.
  • Its effect on elite throwing athletes remains under-researched.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of the OPTIMAL theory's factors on overhand throwing performance in elite softball athletes.
  • To determine if self-efficacy is enhanced by manipulating these factors.

Main Methods:

  • Twenty-four elite softball athletes participated in a controlled study.
  • Participants were assigned to either the OPTIMAL group or a control group.
  • Throwing accuracy and self-efficacy were measured across five blocks, with successive factor implementation for the OPTIMAL group.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in throwing accuracy or self-efficacy were found between the groups.
  • The OPTIMAL theory's factors did not augment performance or self-efficacy in this population.

Conclusions:

  • The OPTIMAL theory may not enhance skilled throwing performance or self-efficacy in elite athletes.
  • High pre-existing self-efficacy and natural adoption of external focus might explain these findings.