Training in a Continuous Ball Throwing and Catching Task

Abstract

A continuous ball throwing and catching task in which the ball remained captive on the end of a chain was given to 84 male students between the ages of 18 and 38 years. Initial and final test trials were carried out without restriction on viewing the ball throughout its trajectory, whereas the interspersed training trials (except for a control group) wero carried out under restricted (spatial) viewing conditions. Results supported the contention that it is not necessary to ‘ keep one's eye on the ball’ in order to obtain performance seores as good as those obtained when the opportunity to watch the ball all the time is available. Suggestions are made with regard to ‘ guidance ’ as a training device.