Optimizing Gaze Control and Quiet Eye Techniques: A Comprehensive Review of Training Methodologies in Elite Sports Performance

Abstract

One of the things that set elite athletes apart from novice ones is their ability to focus on a target at the perfect time through the proper anticipation and sustained concentration, or what is known as the quiet eye (QE), until they can decide on better body positioning, stance, and timing of action. Unfortunately, no studies have been reviewed on applying QE training to high-performance sports. Thus, this systematic review summarized what worked and what did not in the training or intervention programs used to improve QE across 15 studies on this subject for the past five years. This review largely followed Rico-Gonzalez et al.'s (2022) guidelines for conducting a systematic review in sports science. Most common gaze control and QE training methods were successfully implemented using eye-tracking technology and advanced simulations that provided precise feedback on the athletes’ performance while training. However, identifying the appropriate sample size and duration for their training, using explicit and constructive feedback, and exposing athletes to authentic game situations alongside eye-tracking technology are crucial considerations for the success of the training regimen. Developing cheaper eye-tracking technology affordable for athletes and coaches in third-world countries would be promising so they could have an equal chance to compete against their counterparts in first-world countries. However, while this is still not feasible, coaches need to be trained to develop their athletes’ external focus of attention instead and acquire new gaze control and QE training methods.