The Effectiveness of Quiet eye training on gaze Behavior and Performance in Pressure situation; Based on Mental toughness

Abstract

Introduction and goal: The present of this study was to determine the effectiveness of training on gaze behavior and performance in pressure situation, based on mental toughness. Methodology: For this purpose, 6 out of 16 hockey goalkeepers were selected. The research consisted of pre-test, intervention, post-test, and pressure situation. Participants in the test phase received 25 hockey drag flick from a distance of 9 meters. The intervention was performed for three consecutive days (9 blocks of 40 attempts, 25 in total). Participants entered the playing field after receiving video feedback on their quiet eye status and comparing it with the quiet eye of the elite goalkeeper and practiced kicking according to the instructions given. The mobile eye tracking device was used to investigate the gaze behavior. Performance was recorded by checklists and a GoPro camera. Data were analyzed using compound variance analysis 3 (measurement time) × 2 (mental toughness level) to evaluate intervention on gaze behavior and performance and Bonferroni post hoc test. Findings: The results showed that quiet eye training had a positive effect on gaze behavior and performance improvement in both normal and pressure situation. But there was no significant difference between the groups (high and low mental toughness). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, it can be concluded that exercise affects the gaze behaviors and improved gaze behavior results in better performance under normal and pressure conditions. Higher mental toughness affects performance and the person with the highest mental toughness struggles to reach the goal, the best way to travel under any circumstances. Therefore, optimum gaze behavior may be influenced by high mental toughness, and this requires further research.