Mental rehearsal of the sports performance is one aspect of mental coaching distinguishing the winners from less successful athletes. It’s an old story so that in 1984, the magazine of the Italian School of Sport, published a review by Frester about the research dating back to the’ 50s. Since that time have passed 30 years but nonetheless mental rehearsal has not yet become a founding element of training and mental preparation for the race.
This year, the sixth edition of the book entitled “Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology” by R. Weinberg and D. Gould provides the opportunity to read some of the quotes about the use of mental rehearsal, which I hope to be a concrete inspiration for many athletes and coaches to use mental rehearsal in a consistent and effective way.
Jack Nicklaus, golfer
Before every shots I go to the movies inside my head. Here is what I see. First, I see the ball where I want to finish, nice and white and sitting up high on the bright green grass. Then I see the ball going there; its path and trajectory and even its behavior on landing. The next scene shows me taking the kind of swing that will turn the previous image into reality. There home movies are a key to my concentration and to my positive approach to every shot.
Michael Phelps, swimmer
Before the Olympic trials I was doing a lot of viualization. And I think that helped me to get a feel of what it was going to be like when I got there.
Sir Alex Ferguson, former manager of Manchester United
I was always trying to add imagination to my coaching emphasizing the need for players to have a picture in their minds, to visualize how they could have a creative impact on the shifting pattern of a game.
Chris Evert, former tennis player
Before I play a match, I try carefully rehearse what is likely to happen and how I will react in certain situations. I visualize myself playing tipical points based on my opponent’s style of play. I see myself hitting crisp, deep shots from the baseline and coming to the net if a get weak return. This helps me mentally prepare for a match, and I feel like I’ve already played the match before I even walk on the court.
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