Sport psychology reference
Reference

Concentration

Concentration is the ability to hold your focus on what matters and not be pulled away by anything else.

Definition

Attention is distinguished by width (narrow/broad) and direction (external/internal). The skill lies in switching focus quickly to suit the task.

How it shows up in sport

Losing concentration — thinking about the score, the crowd, the opponent — leads to technical errors at the decisive moments.

Related tests

Sustained attention is measured by concentration tests.

Exercises

Trained by attention switching and the focus anchor.

Related terms and issues

See flow state and poor concentration.

Related topics

See also

When you need a personal review

If the challenge recurs, affects results, or causes strong tension for the athlete, it is better to discuss it with a specialist. Sports Talk helps you find a psychologist and a format that fits the sport, age and upcoming calendar.