Continuous Improvement: Intertwining Mind and Body in Athletic Expertise

Athletes such as Roger Federer, Tom Brady, and Serena Williams defied the power law of practice by using a theory of "continuous improvement" to update and improve motor execution and stabilize performance under highly pressurised conditions. This book outlines methodological approaches and practical strategies to understand, improve, and maintain optimal levels of performance.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 11 November 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Athletes, like Roger Federer, Tom Brady, and Serena Williams, have captivated the world with their exceptional skills and sustained excellence over an extended period. However, what sets these great athletes apart from those who reach a certain level of expertise and experience a plateau in their performance? How is it possible for world-class athletes to continuously improve and maintain their top-tier status? To answer these questions, this book presents a theory of "continuous improvement" that explains how experts utilize conscious strategies to enhance motor execution in training and stabilize performance under high-pressure situations.

Expertise, according to the theory, is characterized by an attentional flexibility that involves the use of reflection, abstract thought, and bodily awareness. These processes are employed by athletes to modify their bodily routines in response to contextual demands. The authors of this book draw on theory and empirical findings from various disciplines, including psychology, sociology, and cognitive science, to outline methodological approaches and practical strategies that can be employed by coaches, researchers, and athletes to understand, improve, and maintain optimal levels of performance.

A captivating exploration into the psychological and physical processes behind elite performance, this book is an insightful read for students and academics in the fields of sport science, sport psychology, and kinesiology, as well as coaches, practitioners working with performers, athletes, or anyone with an interest in physical performance and improvement. By understanding and applying the principles outlined in this book, individuals and organizations can unlock the full potential of their athletes and achieve sustained success in their respective fields.

Weight: 368g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198852261