The document discusses attentional control and selective attention. It defines attentional control as the extent to which a performer can focus on relevant stimuli during an event. It discusses theories of selective attention, attentional narrowing, and cue utilization theory. It notes that cue utilization theory links arousal levels to an individual's ability to focus on relevant cues. Optimal arousal allows focusing on cues while over and under arousal cause underperformance.

4. Theories relating to Attention Selective Attention Attentional / Perceptual Narrowing Cue Utilisation Theory Links arousal levels directly to the individuals ability to focus on the relevant cues and stimuli. If the performer reaches their optimal level they will identify the appropriate cues. Over arousal and under arousal will cause underperformance. A process that filters irrelevant information gathered by the sensory system and prioritises the stimuli that can effect the situation. Involves the use of relevant cues to focus the performers attention as arousal levels increase. This involves perceptual narrowing.

5. Selective Attention Concept : Selective attention is perhaps the single most important cognitive characteristic of the successful athlete. Application : It is important that the teacher /coach identifies the important cues and then provides drills that requires the performer to attend to them.eg player shooting a free throw with team mates trying to distract them Concept : Selective attention is a skill that can be learned. Application : All sporting events contain critical cues that must be selectively attended to. E.G A tennis player will focus on the ball and their opponent when serving.

6. Attentional / Perceptual Narrowing / Cue Utilisation Theory Concept : Attentional Narrowing has the effect of reducing cue utilization Application : Broad Attentional focus allows the athlete to attend to important cues, but the distraction of irrelevant cues can hinder performance. Narrow Attentional focus allows the athlete to attend to only the most critical cues, but can also hinder performance as relevant cues may be missed. Successful athletes are often required to adjust their Attentional focus depending on the immediate demands of the game. Scenario

10. Factors that affect attention Age – Experience - Arousal level - The individual - Nature of the Task -

11. Cue Utilisation Theory

13. Make a list of possible distractions What should you concentrate on?

14. Please explain why this describes Over arousal Over arousal

15. Under arousal Please explain why this describes under arousal

16. Optimum Arousal Please explain why this describes optimum arousal

18. Attentional styles As the guard dribbles up the court he looks round the floor to see his team mates and where the defenders are. The guard decides to shoot. He/she must narrow their attention to gate out the images and sounds of the crowd and defender In preparation for the game the guard reviews the play book or game tape. As the guard prepares to take a free throw, he / she mentally rehearses the shot.

19. • Two more tasks can be completed at the same time provided attentional capacity is not exceeded. • The experience of the performer will determine how much capacity is used. Capacity theories Cognitive Associative Autonomos

20. Types of attenders • Effective attenders can process information externally. eg the position of team mates and internally eg analytical thoughts allowing them to switch focus and not miss important cues. • in effective attenders they lack focus, become confused and miss important cues As a result certain playing positions may be better suited to different performers. For example an effective attender may be more suited to team games or positions requiring decision making.