The Role of Focus of Attention in Elite Wheelchair Curling Athletes: a mixed methods study

Elite Canadian wheelchair curling athletes (N=6) delivered two throw types (draw/takeout) with two handle variations (in-turn/out-turn). A mixed-method approach was utilized to investigate three focus of attention (FOA) conditions: 1) control; 2) internal focus; and 3) external focus. The experimental component addressed FOA and performance accuracy. Vision and hearing were occluded once the stone passed the first hog-line to prevent feedback and learning across trials. Draw end-point accuracy from the button was measured via radial and constant error. Takeout accuracy was measured via dichotic response (hit or miss a target stone). There were 3 trials per condition, totalling 36 throws. Individual descriptive statistics (mean, median, and standard deviation) were reported. To compare the within participant effect between FOA conditions, Wilcoxen ranked paired sample t-tests were applied with an effect size expressed by a ranked biserial correlation. Open-ended questions investigated curlers FOA preference at baseline and again post-delivery. A thematic analysis was conducted for open-ended questions. No one ideal focus per curler was determined quantitatively. Depending on the individual different throws and the different handles had different foci that improved the performance of that specific throwing condition. Individualization should be considered. Post-experiment focus preference favoured an external focus. Although, the importance of ‘feel’ was highlighted. Curlers discussed the importance of ‘feeling’ especially for draws which they ascribe to an internal focus. “Feel” as applied in curling more likely reflects a holistic focus. Educating about a holistic focus compared to other FOA language may be crucial in future studies.