According to previous studies, instructing external focus of attention (EFA) seems to lead to better immediate performance than using internal focus of attention (IFA) in adults. The subject is less studied in children and those results have been more controversial. This study investigated if EFA-instructions are connected to better kicking performance than IFA-instructions among 10–15-year old taekwondo competitors.

Seven international level, 19 national level and 14 sub-national level Finnish and Estonian taekwondo competitors (N=40) participated in this study. Each one carried out the same test procedures, including three rounds of 12 front leg cut kicks. During the first control round (CON), no attentional focus instructions were given. For two remaining rounds attentional focus instructions were given in changing order CON / IFA / EFA or CON / EFA / IFA. In this study, the kicking performance was measured by its mean impact forces, missed hits and scored points.

No statistically significant difference in performance was found between rounds of EFA and IFA. However, non-international level competitors benefitted EFA-instructions by kicking higher mean impact forces compared to CON (p=0.018). Within that group, no statistically significant difference was found between CON- and IFA- rounds or between EFA- and IFA- rounds.