Visual search and sports performance

This paper attempts to synthesise and critically review much of the research on visual search strategy in sport. Firstly, the review presents theoretical information on the nature and importance of eye movements and visual fixations in sport. Secondly, the paper summarises some of the assumptions and limitations involved with visual search research and highlights recent improvements in eye movement registration techniques. Further, contemporary research examining proficiency-related differences in visual search strategy in sport is reviewed. It is suggested that experts and novices fixate different areas of a given display, implying differences in cue usage. Additionally, skill based differences in search rate are found. However, findings are ambivalent with higher search rates been demonstrated in certain situations and lower search rates in others. Further contradictory evidence is presented indicating that perceptual differences may not be related to differences in visual search strategy but rather to the use made of the available information. Finally, some alternative paradigms for assessing cue usage in sport are outlined and suggestions for future research effort highlighted.