Paper Summary:

The paper defines mental imagery and examines the possible benefits of mental imagery for athletes and their coaches. The paper explores the controversy surrounding mental imagery, but takes the position that mental imagery in athletics is a valuable tool when used correctly.

From the Paper:

"In today's world, athletes are constantly looking for ways to improve their performance and gain an edge over their competition. One way that athletes improve their performance and gain that competitive edge is through mental imagery. Although the benefits from practicing mental imagery are currently in debate it is clearly a tool that is used by many athletes. As a future coach, it is important to understand the role that mental imagery plays in athletics. "Mental training can be regarded as a - if not 'the' - classical form of psychological training in the learning of a movement at the workplace and in sports" (Munzert & Hackfort, 1999, p. 41). It is also important to understand the possible benefits received from mental imagery, the controversy surrounding mental imagery, and the different athletic settings that may influence the use of mental imagery."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Glisky, M., & Williams, J. (1996). Internal and external mental imagery perspectives and performance on two tasks. Journal of Sport Behavior. 19 (1), 3-19.
• Hall, C., Bernoties, L., et al. (1995). Interference effects of mental imagery on a motor task. British Journal of Psychology, 86, (2), 181-191.
• Hall, C., Mack, D., Paivio, A., & Hausenblas, H. (1998). Imagery use by athletes: development of the sport imagery questionnaire. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 29, 73-89.
• Marks, D. (1999). Consciousness, mental imagery and action. British Journal of Psychology, 90, (4), 567-586.
• Martin, K., & Hall, C. (1995). Using mental imagery to enhance intrinsic motivation. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 17, 54-69.

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