Abstract

The speed and accuracy with which one can react to an opponents attack if often a determinant of success in sport. In such instances the importance of the preparatory state, which immediately precedes the reaction, is undeniable. Bucholz, ODonnell, and Hall (1986) proposed that there are two components of preparation: 1) selection, which refers to what is prepared, and 2) priming, which refers to the intensity devoted to that object of preparation. This paper focusses on the priming component of preparation. It surveys recent research efforts aimed at identifying different priming types and their longevity characteristics. It also addresses the question of the possible existence of an intensity by duration trade-off for priming whereby higher priming degrees might lead to a reduction in the time during which the optimal level of priming can be sustained. Verf.-Referat