Does Focus of Attention Improve Snatch Lift Kinematics?

Abstract

Recent motor control literature has demonstrated that using verbal instructions to direct a performer's attention externally (i.e., toward the movement outcome) enhances motor skill performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate how an athlete's focus of attention impacts kinematic performance of the snatch. Using a counterbalanced within-participant design, 12 competitively trained athletes (8 male and 4 female athletes) performed 2 instructional blocks of 3 snatch repetitions at 80% of their most recent training 1 repetition maximum. Blocks of internal and external instructions were given to the athlete in a random fashion. Results showed that, when focusing internally, athletes significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased elbow velocity relative to focusing externally, whereas the external instructions significantly increased horizontal barbell velocity, relative to internal instructions. Additionally, an internal focus resulted in significantly larger barbell-cervical-hip angles at maximum height of the barbell compared with an external focus, indicating that the athletes squatted under the barbell too soon. This information adds to the literature suggesting small changes in coaching instructions can impact performance significantly. It is recommended that coaches use instructions that direct an athlete's attention externally, toward the movement outcome, rather than the action itself.

Verbal Instruction Reduces Patellofemoral Joint Loading During Bodyweight Squatting

“…Exercise professionals appear to typically adopt instructions that promote an FoAin, 19,20 despite findings indicating that an FoAex may promote superior performance for a wide range of movement tasks. [21][22][23][24][25] However, to our knowledge, there has not been an attempt to compare the influence of squat instructions intended to promote an FoAin versus FoAex. An analysis of this nature may help to determine if different types of verbal instruction elicit more/ less optimal mechanical responses.…”

A Systematic Review of Attentional Focus Strategies in Weightlifting

“…The use of very simple instructions, or just cue words, and extensive practice at lighter weights might mitigate the negative impact of heavy weights on attentional focus effects. Indeed, Schutts et al (2017) recommends that in general coaching cues for lifting are best if they are short, concise, and specific to the key element being trained.…”

“…An external focus of attention has produced lower EMG activity (peak EMG, average EMG, or integrated EMG) than an internal focus of attention in several studies (Vance et al, 2004;Marchant et al, 2008Marchant et al, , 2009Lohse et al, 2011;Lohse and Sherwood, 2012;Greig and Marchant, 2014;Marchant and Greig, 2017). An external focus has also shown superior performance over an internal focus for peak torque (Greig and Marchant, 2014), force production (Marchant et al, 2009;Halperin et al, 2016), reduced pre-movement time in early stages of learning an isometric force production task (Lohse, 2012), accuracy in a force production task (Lohse et al, 2011;Lohse and Sherwood, 2012), more repetitions before failure (Marchant et al, 2011), and better movement kinematics for the snatch (Schutts et al, 2017). The conditions that may limit the effects of an internal or external focus have also been examined.…”

“…The bench press is also a powerlifting event, and so enhances the real-world relevance of outcomes for competition. The snatch was used by Schutts et al (2017), which is the only study found in the search to have used an Olympic weightlifting event. Lohse et al (2011), Lohse (2012), and Lohse and Sherwood (2012) examined force production when participants pushed with their feet against a force plate.…”

Biomechanical Analysis of Successful and Unsuccessful Snatch Lifts in Elite Female Weightlifters

“…To be effective, it should be rapidly executed and with minimal bending of the knees. The motor control of the snatch is dictated by the interaction of key joints or anatomical reference points (Schutts et al, 2017). The effective control of these leading joints will directly influence the success of the various positions and phases of the snatch lift.…”