Mental Imagery
Can you mentally picture a basketball, an orange, running down the street, or throwing a ball? If you can picture these items or actions in your mind, you are experiencing mental imagery. Mental imagery is a psychological skill used in many areas, such as sports psychology, general psychology, cognitive psychology, and neuroscience (Wakefield & Smith, 2012).
In sports psychology, mental imagery can be used to develop a specific skill or help you walk through how to handle a particular situation. For example, if a golfer wants to improve their swing, they can mentally practice walking through their swing to ensure their brain is connected to those mechanics. Another example is someone who struggles with big moments in competition and mentally practices using their breathing techniques to keep them present in the match during key moments. As a result, the athlete can stay present during an important match through using their breathing techniques, ensuring they are not distracted.
A way to use mental imagery is the PETTLEP model, which stands for:
Physical - the physical sensations during the sport
Environment - an area the task is performed
Task - the content of the imagery
Timing - pace that the imagery is completed
Learning - making the movement as complex as the athlete can manage
Emotion - emotions during the task
Perspective - first person or third person view
Through engaging in this model of practice, an athlete will feel more focused and confident at the task they are trying to perform. Wakefield, C., & Smith, D. (2012). Perfecting Practice: Applying the PETTLEP Model of Motor Imagery. Journal of Sport Psychology in Action, 3(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1080/21520704.2011.639853
If you are interested in learning how to use mental imagery to enhance your sport performance check out our sports psychology providers and call 510-981-1471 or email admin@endurancecenter.org
Quentin Baldwin is a psychology trainee who provides sports psychology and clinical psychology services at Endurance - A Sports and Psychology Center, Inc. He is supervised by Dr. Cory Nyamora, a licensed psychologist and endurance sports coach. Dr. Nyamora is the founder and director of Endurance – A Sports & Psychology Center, Inc., a company that provides psychological services and sports training and travel to people of all ages. Endurance staff provide therapy, training and workshops for organizations and athletes on topics related to the intersections of sports, performance, mental health and overall wellness. Find out more at www.endurancecenter.org or call 510.981.1471.
