Teoria Optimal no contexto esportivo: Efeitos de diferentes focos de atenção no desempenho de habilidades motoras do futsal

Abstract

The aim of this study was to test the theoretical assumptions presented in the OPTIMAL Theory (autonomy support, increased expectation for performance and directing attention) in the motor performance of futsal passing, considering the use of different external attentional focuses. The sample, made up of 20 male university athlete participants with a mean age of 22.85 ± 0.8 years, performed a futsal passing task in three different conditions: optimized distal external focus, optimized proximal external focus and control. Each participant made 12 attempts, three pretests and nine tests, in each experimental condition on different days 24 hours apart (Monday; Wednesday; Friday), and the accuracy of the pass and the time taken to make the pass were analyzed. For data analysis, an inferential analysis was carried out using the one-factor analysis of variance test, separately for each measure. The results showed no differences in the performance of the above-mentioned measures in the different conditions proposed in the OPTIMAL theory with distal and proximal external focus of attention. The results allow us to conclude that the theoretical assumptions presented in the OPTIMAL Theory (support for autonomy, increased expectation for performance and directing attention), with the use of different external attentional foci, did not affect the motor performance of futsal passing in experienced players.