The Effects of on Instruction Focus of Attention and Skill Complexity on Performance and Learning of Billiard Shot

The effect of focus of attention on performance and learning is dependent on task characteristics. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of focus of attention and skill complexity on performance and learning of billiard shot.

Participants were 48 volunteer female students in age range 19-23 yr. who were assigned randomly into simple and complex skill groups and each group were matched to internal and external focus subgroups based on pretest. After 8 practice sessions, acquisition, retention (after 2 and 10 days), and transfer tests were performed. Shots accuracy was scored based on distance of ball contact from pocket.

The results of Friedman test were indicated significant acquisition and short-term retention for all groups, significant delayed retention for complex skill, and significant transfer for internal focus complex task group .

The results of the present study doubted and questioned the interaction of attention and complexity on motor performance and learning.