Part 4: Imagery

What is imagery in sport psychology?

Creating or recreating an experience in the mind using memory and imagination (visual, auditory, tactile, etc.).

What are the two perspectives in imagery?

Internal (seeing through your own eyes) and External (watching yourself like a video).

What are the two keys to effective imagery?

Vividness and Controllability

When is imagery most effective?

When it matches the timing and details of actual physical performance.

When should athletes use imagery?

Before/after practice or competition, during breaks, off-season, recovery from injury.

Is imagery better than physical practice?

No, but it enhances physical practice and is better than no practice at all.

List 3 performance areas imagery can help improve.

Confidence, arousal control, skill acquisition, pain management, motivation, focus

What theory says imagery activates muscles like real movement?

Psychoneuromuscular Theory

What theory says imagery builds mental blueprints for movement?

Symbolic Learning Theory

What theory focuses on stimulus + response content in imagery scripts?

Bioinformational Theory

What is the Triple Code Model of imagery?

Emphasizes image + somatic response + meaning of the image to the athlete