Cognitive processing is an element of performance psychology affecting nearly every part of everyday life. Processing includes attentional focus, working memory rehearsal, long-term memory retrieval, and metacognitive monitoring.
A great example of cognitive processing at an elite level is professional sports. Many sports require far more cognitive skill and training than many initially assume. At the elite level, the gap between winning and losing is so marginal that the processing speed of multiple tasks at once can define a winner or a loser.
A great example of this is Formula 1. At first glance, Formula 1 is a sport where drivers race cars quickly around a track for multiple laps. However, this racing form is one of the most cognitively challenging sports.
On average, a formula one car travels three times faster than a regular road car. This means the drivers focus on the road ahead three times further away than a road car driver. This requirement provides a difficult challenge for the reactions and focus of all drivers. But this is also only part of the challenge.
The best drivers can compartmentalise the driving aspect of operating an F1 car at high speed while simultaneously having the mental capacity to adjust the car, plan an overtake strategy, manage fuel load and monitor tyres. All whilst maintaining a delta time set by the team and avoiding 19 other vehicles moving rapidly around them.
Once you scratch the surface, you uncover the importance of cognitive performance and mental strategy in all sports.
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