| The effect of mental imagery and focus of attention on volleyball serve accuracy |
| Paper ID : 1664-SPORTCONGRESS (R1) |
| Authors |
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MohammadAli Saliaaneh *1, علی بیرانوند2 1ma.salianeh@semnan.ac.ir 2دانشگاه سمنان، دانشکده علوم انسانی، گروه علوم ورزشی |
| Abstract |
| Introduction:Mental imagery is the covert repetition of an action without performing physical movements. Therefore, the present study seeks to answer the question of whether imagery practice and internal-external attention have an interactive effect on volleyball serve accuracy? Methods: Given the research objective, a quasi-experimental method with a pre-test and post-test design was used. The statistical population included all male adolescent volleyball players in Parand city. Using convenience sampling, 40 players were selected and randomly assigned to four groups (n=10 each). For data collection, all participants completed a Motor Imagery Questionnaire to ensure they had an acceptable imagery ability score. In the pre-test phase, all groups performed 20 volleyball serves using the traditional method without applying the research variables. Descriptive statistics were used for data classification, and raw scores were processed through mean calculation, standard deviation, and graph plotting. In inferential statistics, a two-way ANOVA was used to test the hypotheses. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 21. Results: The findings indicated that the external focus imagery group showed significant improvement in acquisition, retention, and transfer compared to other groups. The internal focus imagery group also showed significant improvement, except in comparison to the external focus group (P≤0.005). Conclusion: Therefore, mental imagery, particularly with an emphasis on external focus, enhances volleyball serve accuracy. Additionally, the results suggest that external focus is more effective than internal focus in improving performance. |
| Keywords |
| Mental Imagery, Focus of Attention, Volleyball Serve Accuracy. |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
