Visualization: If You Can See It You Can Do It!

Did you know that your brain cannot tell the difference between an imagined and a real action? That’s right! With this being said, as an athlete visualization is a very important and useful skill.  They say practice makes perfect so when your body is tired from physically practicing a skill use some visualization to continue working on your game!

Follow these tips when working on visualization:

1. Practice, Practice, Practice!- spend 10-15 minutes each day working on your visualization.  I suggest using the time right before you go to sleep to focus on your mental training.  Make sure its quiet and you have little to no distractions.  Also, do not get discouraged if you loose focus or become distracted.  Visualization just like anything you do takes time and practice.

2.  Use All of Your Senses- The best visualization is very detailed and feels as if it is really happening.  Take the time to set the stage for the skill you are visualizing.  What do you see?, what sounds do you hear?, how do you feel?, are there any distinct smells? 

3. Change Your Perspective- Visualization can be done in two different ways (associated and disassociated).  Associated is when you are looking out from your body, this is the most common way to visualize.  Disassociated is when you are watching yourself complete a skill.  By watching yourself you can see how a movement should be broken down.  This can be helpful if you are struggling with a particular skill.  To get the full benefit from your visualization be sure to use both associated and disassociated.

Start a visualization routine today to optimize your performance!

Kristen Perri is Cheer360’s Co-Founder and Director of Mental Fitness.  She holds a masters degree in Sport Psychology, is a certified Mental Game Coach, Sport Hypnotist and Personal Trainer.  With over 8 years of cheer coaching experience, Kristen has coached all skill levels including middle school and junior varsity. Currently, Kristen is the Head Varsity Coach of a major Long Island Cheerleading Program.