ABSTRACT
Distractions may be defined as factors which divert our attention from its intended focus or target. As this chapter explains, these factors are ubiquitous in competitive sport. Surprisingly, however, few attempts have been made to understand either their origin or their typical effects on athletic performance. External distractions may be defined as stimuli from the environment which divert people's attention away from its intended direction. Typical distractors in this category in sport include noise, the behaviour and tactical ploys of opponents, weather and playing conditions and visual distractions. There are many situations in sport where competitors use strategic behavioural ploys in an effort to disrupt the concentration of their opponents. This tactical practice is known as gamesmanship and has been defined as the art of winning games without actually cheating. The chapter explores how internal sources of distraction affect athletic performance. Dalloway suggests the mastery over thoughts, fears and worries frequently poses a greater challenge than overcoming external distractions.
