An action occurs in three parts: the preparation for the action, the action proper, and the termination of the action. Anticipation is the preparation for the action; the latter two are discussed in the next sections.
There are several facets to Anticipation. In one sense, it is the anatomical provision for an action. Since muscles in the body function through contraction, each must be first be extended before it can contract. A foot must be pulled back before it can be swung forward to kick a ball. [12] Without anticipation many actions are abrupt, stiff and unnatural.