Effect of idiosyncratic and relevant focus of attention strategies in explosive strength tasks: An exploratory study

Purpose: Focus of attention (FOA) research typically supports an external focus (EF) over internal focus (IF) for motor learning and performance. However, task-specific factors, such as athletes’ techniques and training goals, may influence FOA efficacy. This study compared the effects of FOA strategies—Idiosyncratic Core Component (ICC), EF, and IF—on explosive isometric back squats (EIBS) and squat jumps (SJ) in skilled basketball athletes. Methods: Eighteen elite basketball players performed three trials of EIBS and SJ under each FOA condition. Force peak (Fp), impulse (Im), and mean rate of force development (mRFD) were assessed using a force plate. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and perceived emotional state (PES) were also recorded. Results: ICC significantly enhanced mRFD during EIBS compared to EF (p = .014) and IF (p = .015), with no difference between EF and IF. FOA did not significantly affect Fp or Im during EIBS. In SJ, FOA strategies had no significant effects on mRFD, Fp, or Im. RPE and PES scores remained consistent across conditions. Conclusions: ICC improved explosive strength during EIBS, highlighting the benefit of individualized FOA strategies for tasks >200 ms in duration. However, FOA showed limited impact on SJ performance metrics, possibly due to the task’s shorter duration. Strength and conditioning coaches should tailor FOA strategies to specific tasks and outcomes, using ICC to optimize explosive strength in longer-duration tasks.