What does proprioception refer to in athletic training?

Proprioception refers to the body’s ability to communicate its position in space without the reliance on visual cues. It encompasses the sensory feedback received from muscles, tendons, and joints regarding their position and movement, which allows individuals to be aware of their body’s posture and orientation. This awareness is crucial for athletes in various activities, as it aids in coordination, balance, and the execution of movements, helping to prevent injuries and optimize performance.

While performing complex movements, lifting heavy weights, and maintaining balance can all involve aspects of proprioception, they do not capture the essence of what proprioception itself is. Instead, proprioception is fundamentally about the internal sense of body position and the ability to adapt movements accordingly, making awareness of body position in space the correct definition.