An expertise approach to training anticipation using temporal occlusion in a natural skill setting

Anticipation skill was trained through temporal occlusion using vision occlusion spectacles. A with-movement training group had vision occluded as they batted against bowlers, while the without-movement training group’s vision was occluded as they stood behind a net and made a verbal prediction of ball types. Intervention groups and a control group also participated in sports-specific practice. Training benefits, assessed using video simulation and in-situ anticipation tests, were found for the anticipation of short length but not full length deliveries. The with-movement group performed better on the video simulation test than the control group after training. In the in-situ test, both training groups showed improvements from pre- to post-test of foot movements made when vision of ball flight was deprived. This enhanced body positioning translated into an improvement in quality of bat-ball contacts for only the with-movement group. Temporal occlusion training appears to have some selective benefits to improve anticipation expertise.