Hey Annette. Sports psychology isn't my game (pun intended), but I do know that repeated visualization prior to a performance helps to improve the quality of the performance. I frequently use visual imagery techniques in my clinical practice, particularly with clients experiencing high levels of anxiety.
The imagery will differ depending upon the client and the situation, but always involve a few key elements: (a) visualization that involves all five senses, (b) visualization that breaks the performance into antecedents, behavior, and consequences (in typical behavior modification style), and (c) creation of positive expectencies and self-efficacy. I also teach clients to do relaxation training (usually through deep breathing exercises or progresive muscle relaxation) to help them associate their performance with feelings of relaxation. These techniques combine principles of operant conditioning and classical conditioning through imaginal exposure. How does it work? I think primarily through the creation of positive expectencies, by increasing confidence and self-efficacy, and by reducing fear and anxiety to managable levels. It gives people a greater sense of control. But I think the key is practice, practice, practice. I recommend clients do this type of visualization twice daily (usually at least 15-20 minutes each time). Sounds like your coach is wanting a quick-fix approach. I think visualization could help his players but only if they worked at it consistently and diligently (which is not always characteristic of teenagers...). Hope this helps. Rod ______________________________________________ Roderick D. Hetzel, Ph.D. Department of Psychology LeTourneau University Post Office Box 7001 2100 South Mobberly Avenue Longview, Texas 75607-7001 Office: Education Center 218 Phone: 903-233-3893 Fax: 903-233-3851 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Homepage: http://www.letu.edu/people/rodhetzel > -----Original Message----- > From: Annette Taylor [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > Sent: Friday, October 03, 2003 3:11 PM > To: Teaching in the Psychological Sciences > Subject: Need Help > > > > Hi everyone: > > I need help again. > > My son's hockey coach has asked me to put together a little > program to give to the players--14 to 16 years old--about the > use of visualization to help with their performance. I think > he wants a presentation and handout. > > (He thinks because I teach psychology I KNOW these things!) > > Anyway, here is his take, on paper, which I DO know is wrong: > he believes that if the kids do this just before falling > asleep they will continue to make the proper moves in their > sleep on an unconscious level. Now this smacks of the > subliminal tapes we all know don't work. > > However, I do know that there is a literature suggesting that > studying anyting that is important to remember at bedtime is > a good idea because we minimize retroactive interference > effects c.f. the studies on learning just before sleep by > Jenkins & Dallenbach and by Ekstrand. So I will clear that up for him. > > But as to the visualization part, I am just doing a lit > search on my own but if any of you have some practical > advice, I'd sure appreciate it. > > And yes, this CAN be teaching related! > > Thanks all, I await your sage and sound recommendations. > > Annette > > Annette Taylor, Ph. D. > Department of Psychology E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > University of San Diego Voice: (619) 260-4006 > 5998 Alcala Park > San Diego, CA 92110 > > "Education is one of the few things a person > is willing to pay for and not get." > -- W. L. Bryan > > > > --- > You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > To unsubscribe send a blank email to > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
