The Learning Advantages of an External Focus of Attention in Golf

TLDR

The study investigated whether an external focus of attention yields greater learning benefits than an internal focus for golf skill acquisition under field‑like conditions. Twenty‑two golf novices performed 80 practice pitch shots, with one group instructed to focus on the arm swing (internal focus) and the other on the club swing (external focus), followed by a one‑day retention test of 30 trials without instructions. The external‑focus condition was more effective for performance during both practice and retention.

Abstract

Abstract This study examined whether the learning advantages of an external focus of attention relative to an internal focus, as demonstrated by Wulf, Hööß, and Prinz (1998), would also be found for a sport skill under field-like conditions. Participants (9 women, 13 men; age range: 21–29 years) without experience in golf were required to practice pitch shots. The practice phase consisted of 80 practice trials. One group was instructed to focus on the arm swing (internal focus), whereas another group was instructed to focus on the club swing (external focus). One day after practice, a retention test of 30 trials without instructions was performed. The external-focus condition was more effective for performance during both practice and retention.