Strategies to improve concentration in sports: a case study with an olympic hurdler

  • Cristiana Tieppo Scala Confederação Brasileira de Atletismo, Centro Nacional de Desenvolvimento do Atletismo, Bragança Paulista-SP, Brasil. M&M Atletismo, Equipe Maurren Maggi / Caixa, São Paulo-SP, Brasil.
  • Nelio Alfano Moura Esporte Clube Pinheiros, São Paulo-SP, Brasil. Centro de Excelência Esportiva (SELJ/SP), São Paulo-SP, Brasil. M&M Atletismo, Equipe Maurren Maggi / Caixa, São Paulo-SP, Brasil.
  • Tania Fernandes de Paula Moura Confederação Brasileira de Atletismo, Centro Nacional de Desenvolvimento do Atletismo, Bragança Paulista-SP, Brasil. Centro de Excelência Esportiva (SELJ/SP), São Paulo-SP, Brasil. M&M Atletismo, Equipe Maurren Maggi / Caixa, São Paulo-SP, Brasil.
  • Larissa de Paula Moura M&M Atletismo, Equipe Maurren Maggi / Caixa, São Paulo-SP, Brasil.
Keywords: Hurdles races, Self-talk, Concentration

Abstract

Concentration is an important aspect to achieve good sports results. In sprinting events with a high technical demand, as the hurdle races, to pay attention to the task can directly influence performance. The aim of this case study was to verify if systematic use of visualization and self-talks at training, applied to a 100m hurdles athlete, could improve concentration and performance at competition. After the intervention, the athlete increased her speed in different phases of the race, but mostly at the one where she used to feel unable to be attentive to the task. This suggests that concentration training using visualization and self-talks, combined with physical and technical training, can improve performance.

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Published
2018-08-04
How to Cite
Scala, C. T., Moura, N. A., Moura, T. F. de P., & Moura, L. de P. (2018). Strategies to improve concentration in sports: a case study with an olympic hurdler. Brazilian Journal of Exercise Prescription and Physiology, 12(75), 396-403. Retrieved from https://www.rbpfex.com.br/index.php/rbpfex/article/view/1422
Section
Scientific Articles - Original