{"id":6974,"date":"2021-01-14T11:16:21","date_gmt":"2021-01-14T16:16:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/?p=6974"},"modified":"2025-07-09T06:11:06","modified_gmt":"2025-07-09T10:11:06","slug":"how-young-athletes-can-use-mental-imagery-to-boost-performance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/how-young-athletes-can-use-mental-imagery-to-boost-performance\/","title":{"rendered":"How Young Athletes Can Use Mental Imagery to Boost Performance"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/how-young-athletes-can-use-mental-imagery-to-boost-performance-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/how-young-athletes-can-use-mental-imagery-to-boost-performance-1.jpg\" alt=\"Mental Imagery for Young Athletes\" class=\"wp-image-6980\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/how-young-athletes-can-use-mental-imagery-to-boost-performance-1.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/how-young-athletes-can-use-mental-imagery-to-boost-performance-1-300x150.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Improve_Sports_Kids_Confidence_and_Focus\"><\/span>Improve Sports Kids&#8217; Confidence and Focus <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/how-young-athletes-can-use-mental-imagery-to-boost-performance\/#Improve_Sports_Kids_Confidence_and_Focus\" >Improve Sports Kids&#8217; Confidence and Focus<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/how-young-athletes-can-use-mental-imagery-to-boost-performance\/#Visualization_Depends_on_Your_Learning_Style\" >Visualization Depends on Your Learning Style<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/how-young-athletes-can-use-mental-imagery-to-boost-performance\/#Here_are_some_tips_for_using_mental_imagery_to_boost_kids_performance\" >Here are some tips for using mental imagery to boost kids\u2019 performance.<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/how-young-athletes-can-use-mental-imagery-to-boost-performance\/#Related_Articles_on_Youth_Sports\" >Related Articles on Youth Sports:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/how-young-athletes-can-use-mental-imagery-to-boost-performance\/#The_Composed_Sports_Kid\" >The Composed Sports Kid<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mental imagery<\/strong> is a useful <strong>mental game skill<\/strong> that can improve young athletes\u2019 performance. Many athletes have experienced success using <strong>visualization<\/strong> daily in their training regimes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Athletes say that visualization boosts <strong>confidence<\/strong>, improves <strong>focus<\/strong>, creates poise under pressure, improves consistency and makes it easier to focus.<br>If so many successful athletes visualize, what exactly is holding your sports kids back from adopting this reliable strategy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Truth is, most athletes use <strong>mental imagery<\/strong> naturally when they practice and compete. They just don\u2019t call it mental imagery. For example, soccer players \u201csee\u201d the entire field in their minds. Golfers visualize a putt from behind the ball. Tennis players feel a solid serve as they step up to the line. Football players see plays in their heads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your athletes can take advantage of several strategies for using mental imagery. They can use it before practicing any skill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The key is to use a style that is comfortable and complements their learning style. Kids might be auditory, kinesthetic, visual or tactile learners&#8211;or a combination of styles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take the experience of a PGA Tour Pro who worked with Dr. Cohn. One day, the pro started talking about routines and visualizing golf shots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He said,\u201cI can\u2019t really see the shot in my mind, but I\u2019ve heard so many players talking about it, including Jack Nicklaus.\u201d He asked why he can\u2019t see a shot in his mind when he tries so hard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The answer: It\u2019s all about the athlete\u2019s learning style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Visualization_Depends_on_Your_Learning_Style\"><\/span>Visualization Depends on Your Learning Style<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Not all athletes can visualize their shots or see the path of the ball. That\u2019s because some are more kinesthetic or tactile oriented, which is not a bad thing. Kinesthetic learners like to move and possess excellent physical memories. Tactile learners, who are similar to kinesthetic learners, learn by doing. They like hands-on learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this case, the pro and Dr. Cohn talked about the images the pro could use in his routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kids who are mostly \u201cfeel\u201d players should think about good balance, tempo or feeling free with their performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They should try thinking back to a game or performance in which they played well. Did they use certain types of images when competing? They should try to replicate the same image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Young athletes shouldn\u2019t force themselves into a style of imagery that doesn\u2019t suit them. Whether young athletes are shooting free-throws or kicking field goals, they need to use imagery that fits their learning style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The images in kids\u2019 imaginations prime their minds and bodies for success by imprinting successful outcomes in their minds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wizards center Ian Mahinmi puts it this way, \u201cIt [positive imaging] is like building muscle memory, but for your brain.\u201d It\u2019s really motor memory, but coaches refer to it as muscle memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Here_are_some_tips_for_using_mental_imagery_to_boost_kids_performance\"><\/span>Here are some tips for using <strong>mental imagery<\/strong> to boost kids\u2019 performance.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>First of all, young athletes need to relax and get comfortable. This helps quiet their minds.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Second, kids should see and or feel themselves performing the way they want to perform during competition.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Third, they need to use as many senses as possible. This paves the way for a more realistic experience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fourth, kids need to rehearse only positive outcomes, at least in the beginning.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>And fifth, they should immerse themselves in the emotions they feel when performing well.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Athlete should tap into their dominant learning and performing style. Are they visual, auditory, kinesthetic or feel-oriented learners?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Parents and coaches, you should keep in mind that <strong>visualization<\/strong> is a skill that can be honed with practice. Once young athletes improve this skill, they can use their imaginations to prepare themselves for success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"related-articles-on-hockey-mental-game\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_Articles_on_Youth_Sports\"><\/span>Related Articles on Youth Sports:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/help-sports-kids-grow-from-adversity\/\" title=\"Help Sports Kids Grow From Adversity\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/positive-mental-imagery-for-young-athletes\/\"><strong>Positive Mental Imagery for Young Athletes<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/how-young-athletes-benefit-from-mental-imagery\/\"><strong>How Young Athletes Benefit From Mental Imagery<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/how-athletes-can-use-mental-imagery-to-help-them-succeed\/\"><strong>How Athletes Can Use Mental Imagery To Help Them Succeed<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"block-f49818fa-7c7a-4ee3-b5ee-66581aad2c71\">*Subscribe to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/sports-psychology-podcast-by-peaksports-com\/id152566009\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>The Sports Psychology Podcast<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0on iTunes<br>*Subscribe to <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/0ynyaalKxbnNmsoeL8gF5X?si=8224669de9b3435b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>The Sports Psychology Podcast<\/strong><\/a> on Spotify<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Composed_Sports_Kid\"><\/span>The Composed Sports Kid<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/03\/composed-sports-kid-small-1.jpg\" alt=\"The Composed Sports Kid\" class=\"wp-image-11173\" style=\"width:170px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>&#8220;The Composed Sports Kid&#8221; audio&nbsp;and workbook digital download program for young athletes and their parents or coach helps kids cope with frustration and anger in sports. Help your sports kids learn how to manage expectations and let go of mistakes so they can keep their head in the game.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>The Composed Sports Kid system<\/strong><\/em>&nbsp;is really two programs in one\u2013one program to train parents and coaches how to help their kids practice composure, and one program that teaches young athletes\u2013<em>ages 6 to 13<\/em>\u2013how to improve composure, let go of mistakes quickly, have more self-acceptance,&nbsp;<strong>and thus enjoy sports more<\/strong>!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-26bcd9b3\">\n\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-903b6244 gb-button-text\" href=\"https:\/\/www.peaksports.com\/the-confident-sports-kid-cd-program\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">GET DETAILS<\/a>\n\n\n\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-3275f4fd gb-button-text\" href=\"https:\/\/shop.peaksports.com\/collections\/confident-sports-kid-series-digital-version\/products\/the-confident-sports-kid-bundle-digital\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">BUY NOW<\/a>\n\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Improve Sports Kids&#8217; Confidence and Focus Mental imagery is a useful mental game skill that can improve young athletes\u2019 performance. Many athletes have experienced success using visualization daily in their training regimes. Athletes say that visualization boosts confidence, improves focus, creates poise under pressure, improves consistency and makes it easier &#8230; <a title=\"How Young Athletes Can Use Mental Imagery to Boost Performance\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/how-young-athletes-can-use-mental-imagery-to-boost-performance\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about How Young Athletes Can Use Mental Imagery to Boost Performance\">Read Sport Psychology Tip<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6981,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[209,6],"tags":[85,305],"class_list":["post-6974","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-concentration","category-youth-sports-psychology-blog","tag-mental-imagery","tag-visualization-for-sports-kids"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6974","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6974"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6974\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6981"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6974"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6974"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6974"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}