The Prinicples of Animation, Anticipation
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Anticipation

An action occurs in three parts: the preparation for the action, the action itself, and the termination of the action. Anticipation is the preparation for the action. Anticipation is an effective tool for indicating what is about to happen.[1]


Indicating Speed
Take the swing of a bat. If the bat is swung far back, one expects the ball to fly far and away upon contact, or the batter to fall over from the power of the swing. If the bat is only pulled slightly back, we expect a ground ball, or a pop fly with very little distance. The amount of anticipation used considerably affects the speed of the action which follows it. If the audience isn't properly prepared for a fast action, they may miss it completely. The anticipating action must be made larger or the action slower.[1]

Directing Attention
Anticipation can also be used to direct the audiences attention.[1] A character looking off screen and reacting provides the audience with a cue to where an important action is about to happen.


Revealing
In addition, Anticipation could be used to indicate what a character is about to do. When a person is about to steal something, their eyes shift up and down the grocery aisle, looking for security, and then at the item they wish to take. This action gives the audience an opportunity to see what the theif will take before he acts.

Rules are made...
Anticipation could also be used to mislead the audience. When a person goes to lift a large object, their body bends over more and they widen their stance. The anticipated action would be a struggle to raise the object off the ground, however the action could result in the objects flying off of the ground and the person falling over from the miscalculation.


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