Concentration, Selective Attention and Positive Self-Talk
Concentration in sport is a performer's ability to focus their attention on task-relevant information in their environment for as long as it is needed, while ignoring irrelevant or distracting information.
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Method
- Identify the distraction or distractions named in the scenario, such as crowd noise, opponent behaviour, a recent mistake or negative self-doubt, that are pulling the performer's attention away from task-relevant cues.
- Identify the task-relevant cue the performer should be focusing on instead, such as the ball, an opponent's hips before a dribble, or their own technique, and explain that selective attention means actively filtering out the distraction to keep attention on this cue.
- Recommend positive self-talk as a specific technique: suggest a short, specific cue word or phrase suited to the situation, such as a technical cue word to refocus on technique, or a confidence phrase to use after a mistake.
- Explain the mechanism: positive self-talk interrupts a negative thought pattern, which itself distracts attention and can raise anxiety or arousal, and redirects attention back to the task-relevant cue or action.
- Where the scenario involves a mistake or a setback, explain that self-talk can be used specifically to reset attention immediately afterwards, so the performer's focus does not stay on the error into the next action.
- For extended questions, name the specific distraction, the specific relevant cue, and a specific cue word or phrase suited to the sport and situation given, then explain the expected effect on concentration and performance, rather than describing the techniques generically.
Worked example
A golfer three-putts a hole and is visibly frustrated walking to the next tee, telling himself 'I always mess up under pressure'. Explain, using selective attention and positive self-talk, how he could refocus before his next tee shot.
- Identify the distraction: his own negative thought, 'I always mess up under pressure', is an internal distraction likely to carry his attention away from the upcoming shot and increase anxiety.
- Identify the task-relevant cue: for the tee shot, this should be his pre-shot routine and target line, not the previous hole's result.
- Recommend selective attention: he needs to consciously filter out the memory of the three-putt and refocus only on the cues relevant to the shot in front of him.
- Recommend positive self-talk: he could use a short cue word, such as 'smooth', to cue his swing tempo, or a confidence phrase such as 'one shot at a time', repeated as he steps onto the tee.
- Explain the effect: replacing the negative thought with a positive, task-focused cue should interrupt the negative thought pattern, lower any rise in anxiety it was causing, and redirect his concentration onto the relevant cues for the new shot rather than the previous mistake.
Practice questions
Try each question, then tap to reveal the answer.
Q1Define selective attention.Show answer
Answer: The cognitive process of filtering out irrelevant or distracting information so that attention stays focused on the cues relevant to the task.
Q2Give one example of a task-irrelevant cue that could distract a performer during a match.Show answer
Answer: For example, crowd noise, an opponent's comments, or the current score.
Q3Define positive self-talk.Show answer
Answer: The deliberate use of positive, encouraging internal or spoken language, such as a cue word or phrase, to control negative thoughts and direct concentration.
Q4Give an example of a short cue word a sprinter might use in positive self-talk immediately before a race, and state what it should help her focus on.Show answer
Answer: For example, 'drive' or 'explode', to focus her attention on a powerful, technically correct start.
Q5Explain why a performer's own negative thoughts can be considered a distraction, just like external noise.Show answer
Answer: Negative thoughts pull attention away from task-relevant cues in the same way external distractions do, and can also raise anxiety, further disrupting concentration and performance.
Exam-style questions
Written in the style of a GCSE Physical Education exam paper, with a full mark scheme.
A basketball player is about to take two free throws with the score level and the crowd behind the opposing team's basket waving flags to try to distract her. Explain, using selective attention, how she should focus her concentration for the free throws, and suggest a positive self-talk cue she could use.
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A hockey penalty-corner specialist says that after missing an easy chance in the first half, she 'can't stop thinking about it' and has since made two uncharacteristic technical errors in open play. Discuss how selective attention and positive self-talk could help her recover her focus for the rest of the match.
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See real GCSE Physical Education past-paper questions, with official mark schemes →
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