Table tennis is a high-speed sport where fast reactions and ability to refocus after each point are essential. Finding new and innovative methods for improving attentional focus is in both players’ and coaches’ interests. 

Neurofeedback training (NFT) is way to change an individual’s brain activity for the better (e.g., improving attention). It has been described as “a method to self-regulate one’s own brain activity to directly alter the underlying neural mechanisms of cognition and behavior.” (Enriquez-Geppert et al., 2017). NFT strengthens the brain’s own ability to regulate itself through adaptive neuroplasticity. It has been found to be beneficial for both healthy and clinical populations. The field of NFT is developing rapidly and can be applied using a variety of technological equipment. Initial NFT interventions in sport and performance have given support for positive training outcomes (Mirifar, 2017). However, due to the use of many different NFT protocols it is hard to get a systematic overview of the research field. 

One way of using NFT is to teach athletes the skills to move back and forth from an internal to an external focus. By educating athletes what different focus states “feel like” and “look like” on the computer screen, many have shown an increased ability to stay in the present moment and to change focus. This way of using NFT has been described as “a Western way of mindfulness.” 

Mindfulness has been defined as “awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgementally” (Kabat-Zinn, 2017). The mindfulness approach has, in the last decade, begun to have a major influence on Western sport psychology theory and practice. 

In this NFT-mindfulness presentation, live brain wave activity will be shown to illustrate how NFT works. A NFT-mindfulness model based on the literature, some NFT pilot case studies, and experiences with a former Swedish table tennis world champion will be presented. NFT programs have been shown to improve attention, lower anxiety, and help regulate sleep patterns. 

Bridging knowledge from different scientific, sport, and performance domains can increase our understanding of psychophysiological, psychological, and cultural factors interact. Discussing intervention models and learning from different fields is essential to creating future health and performance interventions.