imagery or the process of forming images in our mind like pictures or moves, images recreating our best performances, and the way it feels to perform just the way we want it to. These images can be visual, kinesthetic- how our body feels, tactile-how it feels to the touch, auditory-how it sounds, even olfactory-what we smell. Using mind power we can call upon these images over and over, enhancing skill through repetition rehearsal. The mind and body can become more prepared to actually perform the skill, and can improve both physical and mental reactions in certain situations. The developing athletes, who make the fastest progress and who ultimately become their best, make extensive use of mental imagery. They use it daily, as a means of directing what will happen in training, and as a way of pre-experiencing their best competition performances. Mental imagery often starts out simply, as you think though your goals, your moves, and your desired competitive performances. Kelly Kryczka, former world champion in synchronized swimming duet discuses the use of on site imagery. “We did a lot of imagery during training sessions, especially as the competition approached. When we were doing compulsory figures in practice, a minute before doing certain ones the coach would say, “Okay, you are going to do a best one. You are going to do a whole compulsory figure.” So before we went out there and did it, we would sit on the edge of the pool and image ourselves doing it right on, and feel how it feels. You image yourself right on, perfectly. Then go out there and do it. Doing a lot of imagery was the major difference in our preparation last year, not just the duet, but also the compulsory figures.” The ultimate goal is to draw on all of your sense to feel yourself executing skills perfectly. Focusing in Sport“Where the mind goes, everything follows.”When an athlete is focused in sport he or she is aware of only th...
