Student Research Symposium Program Portal: Submission #24

Abstract Volleyball serving accuracy is a key skill in the sport, but auditory stimuli (noise) can distract players. In this study, I examine whether self-talk can protect against distraction caused by external noise and enhance serving accuracy. Self-talk has been widely researched and shown to aid in focus and improving performance in a variety of sports. In this study, I propose that the mechanism underlying such improvement involves reduction of a distraction typically caused by external auditory stimuli. Participants served to targets on a court under four conditions, one baseline, one with noise, one with self-talk, and one with noise and self-talk, to determine the interactions between noise, self-talk, and serving accuracy. The results could be used to help coaches and athletes refine techniques and potentially incorporate self-talk as a strategy for intermediate players to enhance focus and reduce the deleterious effects of noise.