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| Mental Imagery |
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By Marv Dunphy and Rod Wilde While it is important to work out physically to condition your body, you can also become a better player at home by practicing mentally. Championship athletes have known for years that mental practice can help performance. Mental imagery or visualization is the name given to this type of mental practice. It can be done externally observing volleyball players or a videotape, or imagining watching yourself from outside your body. (Golfer Jack Nicklaus calls this "going to the movies") It can also be done internally (feeling" yourself doing the action). When using this technique in volleyball, imagine yourself doing everything correctly from start to finish, being sure to include a successful outcome. Perform the action in full speed in your mind, and use as many senses as you can. For example, if you are going to play before a big crowd, you might want to play crowd noise on a tape player in the background as you mentally practice your skills. Checklist for Mental Imagery 1. Watch top-level volleyball players or videotapes of volleyball skills. 2. Be the star in your own movie by closing your eyes and performing skills to perfection in your mind. 3. Always see yourself completing all aspects of the skill perfectly, including a successful finish. 4. Practice all aspects of the game mentally as well as physically. 5. Always be positive in your instruction to yourself. |