ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on fundamental influences of motoric factors during execution; provides evidence to support the desirability and applicability of conscious motor processing under pressure conditions; and suggests some empirically informed guidelines for what couldbe considered good practice. Athletes are often required to execute motor skills under conditions of competitive pressure. Consequently, achieving and maintaining high levels of performance under dynamic, stressful, and demanding situations is an essential characteristic of successful performance. At the top-flight of any sport, the consequences and meaningfulness of performance are often great, especially when the stakes are at their highest. Optimal/automatic is essentially a state in which peak performance is reached in an effortless manner; actions are consistent, smooth, and effortless with minimal/supervisory conscious control during execution. Reflecting non-observable changes to execution processes that underpin performance gains, data show a restructuring of cognitive architecture with skill improvements.
