Effect of Idiosyncratic and Relevant Focus-of-Attention Strategies in Explosive Strength Tasks: An Exploratory Study

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Motor Learning
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Focus-of-attention (FOA) research often favors external focus (EF) over internal focus (IF) for motor skill acquisition and performance.
• Task-specific variables, including athlete technique and training objectives, can modulate the effectiveness of different FOA strategies.
• Understanding how various FOA strategies impact explosive power in distinct athletic movements is crucial for optimizing training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of three FOA strategies—idiosyncratic core component (ICC), EF, and IF—on explosive isometric back squats (EIBS) and squat jumps (SJ).
• To investigate these effects in skilled basketball athletes, considering the specific demands of EIBS and SJ.

Main Methods:

• Eighteen elite basketball players completed three trials of EIBS and SJ under each FOA condition (ICC, EF, IF).
• Performance metrics including force peak (Fp), impulse (Im), and mean rate of force development (mRFD) were measured using a force plate.
• Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and perceived emotional state were also recorded to assess subjective responses.

Main Results:

• ICC significantly enhanced mRFD during EIBS compared to EF and IF (P < .05), with no significant differences between EF and IF.
• No significant effects of FOA strategies were observed on Fp or Im during EIBS, nor on any performance metrics during SJ.
• Subjective measures (RPE and emotional state) remained consistent across all FOA conditions for both exercises.

Conclusions:

• Individualized FOA strategies, specifically ICC, can improve explosive strength in longer-duration movements like EIBS (>200 ms).
• FOA strategies demonstrated limited impact on the performance of shorter-duration tasks such as SJ, potentially due to the rapid nature of the movement.
• Strength and conditioning coaches should consider task duration and specific performance goals when selecting and implementing FOA strategies, utilizing ICC for enhancing explosive strength in longer movements.