Abstract

The initial anticipatory movements of two high level and two lower level squash players were examined during competition to exemplify an exologically valid paradigm for the study of anticipation in fast ball sports. Cinematographic analysis revealed that although the overall speed of the game (as measured by the average time between successive strokes by the offensive and defensive players) was similar for both skill groups, the highly skilled players made their initial anticipatory movements significantly earlier than did the lower grade players. Estimation of the completion times for initial movement selection indicated a reliance of the highly skilled players upon advance information alone, whereas the lesser skilled appeared to wait until later ball flight information was available before selecting their return stroke. Results from this small group field study confirmed the proficiency-related differences in anticipatory capability previously implicated from laboratory simulation studies. Some practical implications of the role of advance cue perception in skilled squash performance are briefly considered. Verf.-Referat