Abstract
The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the difference in gaze behavior between volleyball instructors and players while watching a game. In the experiment, videotaped parts of a game were used along with an eye mark recorder. Subjects for the experiment were 7 instructors and 8 players.
The main findings were as follows:
1. Compared to the players, the instructors tracked the ball less frequently and tended to change gazes in a manner for predicting the subsequent development of play in the game. For example, they showed a strong tendency to focus on players’moves and positions in combination attacks, coverage formations, and so forth.
2. In contrast, the players tended to track the ball position. They also tended to direct their gaze to the direction the ball was heading in and the players trying to touch it.
The difference in gaze behavior between these two groups may be explained as follows:
Instructors are placed in a position to continually check the harmony in movements for 6 players and consider further tactics and strategies, whereas players, who are not placed in such a position, try to focus on the quality of each play and its consequence.
