The only two external sources of Attentional Focus where the mind and eyes remain completely quiet (don’t move) are the ball (Ball Orientation) and some distant target (Target Orientation). Which orientation produces superior performance? Because mentally focusing on the ball produces a condition referred to as ‘being ball bound’ where your body becomes so rigid during the swing that you fall back and away at impact, an Attentional Focus on the ball is not conducive to superior golf performance. This can be seen in golfers who have great practice swings that disintegrate into a series of slashes, swats, and lunges when hitting balls.
The point at which are eyes are directed (where we’re looking) is referred to as Visual Fixation. The point in space where our mind is directed is referred to as Attentional Focus. So, Attentional Focus differs from visual fixation. It must be noted that our attention can be directed at a point different than where our eyes are fixated. That means we must learn to look in one direction and keep our mind focused on another point. If we learn to keep our mind focused on the target throughout the swing it will keep our eyes fixated on the ball until slightly past impact when the body naturally turns the head forward.
If you were an archer both your eyes and mind would be focused on the target? If you were shooting free throws in basketball both your eyes and mind would be focused on the basket. How accurate do you think athletes be in these two sports if their eyes and mind wouldn’t be focused on the bull’s-eye in archery or basket in basketball?
