Sherwood, D. E., & Rios, V. (2001). Divided attention in bimanual aiming events: Effects on movement accuracy. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 72, 210-218.

The role of focusing on one or both limbs in a two-limb aiming task was investigated. Two experiments were conducted. The first involved focusing on either limb or both limbs. Attentional focus was prompted by the experimenter and reinforced by asking the participant to estimate error only in the attended limb or limbs. The second allowed Ss (N = 52) to choose their attentional strategy on single or both limbs.

Spatial accuracy was better in both experiments when Ss focused on one limb compared to focusing on the non-attended limb and on both limbs.

Implication. In novice performers, focusing on the performance aspect that is most important should produce better performances.

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