The human Müller-Lyer illusion in goalkeeping

Perception. 2008;37(6):951-4. doi: 10.1068/p6010.

Abstract

We examined whether a goalkeeper can influence a penalty-taker's actions by assuming postures that mimic Müller-Lyer configurations. The results of two studies indicate that (i) goalkeeper posture affects the perception of the goalkeeper's height in a manner consistent with the Müller-Lyer illusion; (ii) this influences penalty-taking accuracy; and (iii) a posture which resembles a wing-out Müller-Lyer configuration results in wider and lower throws.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Male
  • Motor Activity / physiology*
  • Movement / physiology*
  • Optical Illusions / physiology*
  • Photic Stimulation
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology*
  • Soccer / psychology*
  • Space Perception / physiology*
  • Statistics as Topic