The perfect shot
Many top sportsmen and women use creative imagery and mental rehearsal as an
integral part of their mental toughness training. They know that when positive
images are impressed firmly on the subconscious they’re more likely to perform at
their best. They spend many hours ‘seeing’ themselves hitting the perfect shot,
throwing the javelin or discus further, crossing the winning line ahead of the com-
petition, scoring goals and so on.
Pioneering the use of creative imagery in sport were professional golfers such as
Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer in the 1960s. At his peak Nicklaus said:
‘I never hit a shot without having a sharp picture of it in
my head. Firstly, I see where I want the ball to finish.
Then I see it going there, its trajectory and landing.
The next scene shows me making the swing that will turn
the previous images into reality.’
11 WHO DO YOU IMAGINE YOURSELF TO BE?
When willpower conflicts with the imagination,
imagination prevails. Always.
“ David Lawrence Preston
”
