Ensure Relaxed Attention
When athletes are first learning imagery, they have an easier time focusing when relaxed in a quiet environment away from distractions. Those who are highly skilled can use this mental training tool in almost any setting, whether at home, during practice warm-ups, on the bus ride to a competition, or in a noise-filled stadium. Few athletes possess such skill, however, so most need initially to practice image in a quiet setting. Another key to creating lifelike images is to allow the image to happen, rather than trying to make it happen. Using imagery is a passive process that requires relaxed attention. Remind athletes to relax and let the image develop. If they lose focus, instruct them to gently redirect attention back to their image.