Easier Golf Improvement: Motor Learning and Attentional Focus

We've added a new LAB tool: Easier Golf Improvement. "Straighten your elbow," "Turn your hips"—familiar cues that can actually interfere with the brain’s automatic control. Why focus on result instead of body? The tool explains the science.

Purpose of the Tool

Attentional focus in motor learning strongly affects performance and long-term learning. The tool explains the difference between internal focus (on your body) and external focus (on club, target, outcome) with data and diagrams.

Where Is Your Attention Pointed?

How focus affects the brain

Interactive diagrams show how resource allocation and signals differ:

• Internal focus: Attention on body parts and form
  The brain tries to control "elbow angle," "hip turn," etc. That increases load and can make the motion stiff. High processing load (conscious control).

• External focus: Attention on club, target, or result
  When attention is outside the body, the brain tends to automate the movement (autopilot). Lower load, more fluid motion.

The Learning Paradox

During practice, focusing on form (internal) can feel better. But in retention tests a day or a week later, the external focus group usually keeps more of the improvement.

Data example:

• External: Day 1 (40%) → Day 3 (80%) → 1 week later (78%)
• Internal: Day 1 (35%) → Day 3 (70%) → 1 week later (45%)

So practice performance and learning are not the same.

Constrained Action Hypothesis

When you focus on body parts, the motor system’s natural automatic control is "constrained," and the motion can become less fluid.

Why Do Olympic Medalists Struggle at Golf?

Many former Olympians struggle in golf because they are masters of "1" (body-focused, precise movement), and that habit gets in the way of "2."

Two kinds of "movement"

1. Physical exercise
   Goal: Stimulate and strengthen the body. Focus: muscle, joint angles, form. Examples: weight training, figure skating basics, rehab.

2. Skilled action
   Goal: Change the environment (result). Focus: ball flight, opponent, tool. Examples: golf, tennis, basketball, darts.

Data suggest top athletes in running/swimming excel at power and internal body control, while skilled golfers excel at tool use (external) and vision–motor coordination.

Practice: Shift From Internal to External

You still want to fix things—but in "environment language" instead of "body language."

Examples

• Internal: "Don’t release the wrists."
  External: "Keep the clubface pointing at the target."

• Internal: "Shift weight to the left foot."
  External: "Push down hard into the ground under your left foot."

• Internal: "Swing the arms faster."
  External: "Make the clubhead whistle through the air."

Conclusion

When attention goes to the club or target, the brain tends to automate the motion. That leads to more natural, efficient movement and better long-term learning.

References

• Wulf, G. (2013). Attentional focus and motor learning: a review of 15 years. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology.
• Wulf, G., & Su, J. (2007). An external focus of attention enhances golf shot accuracy in beginners and experts. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport.

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Try it in LAB: Easier Golf Improvement