In Game Visualization

For athletes visualizing success is an extremely powerful tool to use to help maximize performance. Visualization helps you repeat proper mechanics and at the same time attracts success into your life. The great thing is you have complete control over what it is you are visualizing. You can visualize yourself performing feats that you currently are unable to perform. The amazing thing is that your mind can’t tell the difference between something you visualized and something you actually did physically.

In athletics our goal is to repeat proper mechanics. When we are practicing we are trying to develop “muscle memory” in order to be able to repeat these mechanics easier. “Muscle memory” is essentially training the mind to fire the muscles properly when performing a movement. If the mind can’t distinguish the difference between what is performed and what is visualized then an athlete can increase their ability to repeat mechanics by simply imagining themselves performing at a certain level.

So how can this help in a game? One of the things that I tell my athletes is to use visualization both prior to and after competition. For example: When a hitter is on deck they are able to see the pitcher and the situation. They can then formulate a plan of attack as to how they want to attack that pitcher and what they are trying to accomplish at the plate. Once this information is in place the hitter can then visualize themselves successfully executing proper mechanics and executing their plan. Their mind will begin to feel as though they had already experienced the situation and that will make their success more likely.

If the athlete is unable to perform the mechanics or execute the desired plan it is also very beneficial for the athlete to then go back to the dugout and replay the at-bat in their mind. When the athlete replays the at-bat in their mind they should visualize themselves performing proper mechanics and having success in that at-bat.

Over time the athlete will begin to notice more consistent success in their play and more confidence overall. Visualization is one of the most powerful tools we can use. I highly recommend all athletes to take advantage of this powerful tool.