You may hear the term “visualization” from your friends or coaches.⌚ In sports, the term “imagery” is used a lot as well. But what does this mean? Why as an athlete should you be using it?
Visualization, or imagery, for athletes, is the practice of picturing in your mind🧠 what you want to happen. For example, visualize taking a penalty kick or taking a defender on 1v1 and successfully keeping the ball. You can visualize your performance on the field, the way you move, your passing, your defending, or even your goalkeeping.🥅
Think of visualization as a mental rehearsal for your performance.
Athletes like Ronaldinho, Michael Phelps, and Lindsey Vonn use visualization daily. Studies show that 70-90% of Olympic 🥇athletes use regular visualization techniques. And they all claim it has a positive impact on their performance.
Soccer legend Wayne Rooney⚽ used visualization throughout his career. He would visualize himself scoring major goals. Dribbling through teams and scoring from 30 yards out. It became a critical part of his preparation.
How to Use Visualization
Typically, visualization is paired with a form of mediation. 🧘♀️This may mean you go to a quiet place, close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, then think about how you want to perform. Picturing in your mind🧠 how you will play strong and be successful out on the field.
Start with 5-10 minutes a day. Use visualization before practice and after. Then try it on game day as well. The more you visualize the more powerful it becomes. Practice every day.
Spend time focusing on proper techniques and skills. Before a game, mentally run through your game plan. How are you going to make significant plays? What movements will you use?🤨
Use all of your senses when you visualize. Visualize your performance in great detail. What will you feel? What will you see? Hear? 👂Or smell?
Note: Imagery can help athletes overcome the anxiety they may feel during competition. It can help you stay focused, confident, and mentally tough.💪
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