Quiet Eye Training: Effects on Learning and Performance Under Pressure

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of quiet eye (QE) training in optimizing the learning and performance under pressure of novices in a putting task. Fourteen participants performed 40 pre-test putts and were randomly allocated into a QE training or control group. They then performed 320 acquisition phase putts and a further 120 test putts in a retention-transfer (pressure)-retention design. The QE-trained group maintained more effective attentional control and performed significantly better in the pressure test compared to the control group. Furthermore, longer QE periods were associated with better performance across all test putts.

Notes

1. The use of a retention test, designed to assess the stability of learning is consistent with previous motor learning research (e.g., Lam et al., 2009; Poolton et al., 2005; Salmoni, Schmidt, & Walter, 1984; Wulf & Su, 2007).