How is an athlete's control over attentional focus developed?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Athletes develop control over attentional focus through practice and repetition of attentional skills. This can include specific drills and exercises that help them learn to focus their attention on the task at hand, as well as mental skills training such as visualization and self-talk. While competing may help an athlete hone their attentional skills, it is primarily through deliberate practice and training that athletes are able to improve their ability to focus their attention. Genetics may play a role in an athlete's overall physical abilities, but attentional focus is largely learned and developed over time. Dual-coding tasks, which involve both visual and verbal processing, may be helpful in enhancing memory and learning, but they are not directly related to developing control over attentional focus.

How Is an Athlete's Control Over Attentional Focus Developed