mental imagery

• mental imagery


  visualising something that is uplifting and energising to the athlete - the vision often involves them giving a strong performance
• imagery improves performance by

  -improving neural pathways between the brain and muscles

  -taking players through scenarios they’re likely to encounter in competition

  -allowing goals to be experienced mentally 

  -working in conjunction with other psychological skills
• simulation 


  -achieved by making the physical training environment as similar as possible to game demands

  eg. training in front of spectators, playing full contact games

  -simulation and imagery should be used together for maximum effect

  -is similar to the principle of specificity
• visuo-motor behaviour rehearsal (VMBR)​

  involves 3 parts :​

  • optimal arousal phase to get performers in the “zone”​
  • visualising phase getting players to imagine or “see” what they’re about to do​
  • performing the actual skill under game or simulated conditions