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SECTION A
Imagery in Sport
Imagery can be a difficult technique to learn, but when mastered, it can allow an athlete to visualise
performing their specialty as if it were happening in real time. As an example, Canadian born freestyle
skier Cassie Sharpe said that “In my preparation for competition, I would spend hours envisioning
what I wanted to execute and how it should feel. I would even create bad scenarios that could occur,
feeling the pressure and discomfort, and rehearse what my appropriate response would be. When it
was time to compete, I felt ready for any and every situation” Nicole W. Forrester, The Conversation,
22 February 2018.
1. Find three scientific articles (2018 - 2024) on the use of imagery technique in sport and discuss
how it can enhance athletes’ performance.
A) Morris, T., Spittle, M., & Watt, A. (2021). "Imagery and performance: A review of the
theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence." Journal of Sports Sciences, 39(7), 747–757.
This article provides an extensive review of imagery research in sports, summarizing the
theoretical frameworks that explain how imagery works and highlighting empirical studies that
link imagery use to improved performance. It also delves into the different types of imagery
(e.g., cognitive, motivational) and their distinct effects on athletes’ mental preparation.
B) Vealey, R. S., & Greenleaf, C. A. (2019). "The role of imagery in sport performance: From
theory to practice." International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 12(1), 59–80.
In this article, the authors discuss how imagery can be applied in practice, reviewing
psychological and neurological research to understand how athletes can use imagery to
enhance their performance. It emphasizes the connection between imagery and motor learning,
and offers evidence that mental rehearsal can positively influence physical outcomes.
C) Cumming, J., & Ramsay, A. (2023). "The effects of imagery on athletes’ performance under
pressure: A meta-analysis." Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 61, 102213.
This meta-analysis examines studies from 2018 to 2023 to investigate the effects of imagery on
performance in high-pressure situations. The article finds strong support for the idea that
imagery helps athletes manage anxiety and perform more effectively in stressful conditions,
especially by enhancing focus and relaxation.
SECTION A
Imagery in Sport
Imagery can be a difficult technique to learn, but when mastered, it can allow an athlete to visualise
performing their specialty as if it were happening in real time. As an example, Canadian born freestyle
skier Cassie Sharpe said that “In my preparation for competition, I would spend hours envisioning
what I wanted to execute and how it should feel. I would even create bad scenarios that could occur,
feeling the pressure and discomfort, and rehearse what my appropriate response would be. When it
was time to compete, I felt ready for any and every situation” Nicole W. Forrester, The Conversation,
22 February 2018.
1. Find three scientific articles (2018 - 2024) on the use of imagery technique in sport and discuss
how it can enhance athletes’ performance.
A) Morris, T., Spittle, M., & Watt, A. (2021). "Imagery and performance: A review of the
theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence." Journal of Sports Sciences, 39(7), 747–757.
This article provides an extensive review of imagery research in sports, summarizing the
theoretical frameworks that explain how imagery works and highlighting empirical studies that
link imagery use to improved performance. It also delves into the different types of imagery
(e.g., cognitive, motivational) and their distinct effects on athletes’ mental preparation.
B) Vealey, R. S., & Greenleaf, C. A. (2019). "The role of imagery in sport performance: From
theory to practice." International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 12(1), 59–80.
In this article, the authors discuss how imagery can be applied in practice, reviewing
psychological and neurological research to understand how athletes can use imagery to
enhance their performance. It emphasizes the connection between imagery and motor learning,
and offers evidence that mental rehearsal can positively influence physical outcomes.
C) Cumming, J., & Ramsay, A. (2023). "The effects of imagery on athletes’ performance under
pressure: A meta-analysis." Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 61, 102213.
This meta-analysis examines studies from 2018 to 2023 to investigate the effects of imagery on
performance in high-pressure situations. The article finds strong support for the idea that
imagery helps athletes manage anxiety and perform more effectively in stressful conditions,
especially by enhancing focus and relaxation.
