Name and Surname: assoc. prof. Jernej Rošker, PhD
Links: ARIS 33680, LINKEDIN
E-Mail: jernej.rosker@fvz.upr.si

Research facility (research activity location)
University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences

Research field according to ARIS classification
Science: Social sciences
Field: Sport
Subfield: Kinesiology

Summary of research topic and field
Studying visual perception strategies in athletes during agility, interception, and targeting tasks is crucial for monitoring their attention, evaluating decision-making efficiency, and understanding of game situations. Moreover, visual attention plays a key role in motor control, as it enables the perception of movement task goals and influences movement coordination. Research indicates that visual attention and, consequently, the ability to perceive information in the environment depend on the complexity of the movement task. In extremely shortduration sports tasks that require motor response based on an accurate perception of athletes body and one’s surroundings, anchoring strategies of visual perception are particularly desirable. These strategies allow for the rapid recognition of essential information and optimization of motor response. Studies show that such strategies are predominantly used by elite athletes, whereas less experienced athletes do not rely on them as effectively. The aim of the doctoral project is to study dispersed attention in anchoring strategies and changes in visual attention during sport-specific tasks. Mobile eye trackers will be used to analyse visual attention during goalkeeping in handball and serve return in tennis. As part of the project, the candidate will also be involved in providing and developing laboratory tests for assessing sports specific visual attention and developing training approaches. The project’s results aim to enhance the understanding of visual perception in specific sports tasks and the development of effective training methods to improve performance and overall athletic success.