Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Twenty Day Challenge, Day 5 - Your Highlight Reel

Visualization and affirmations are techniques used in sport psychology to improve performance. There is evidence that visualization helps simulate practice. In other words, thinking about skills improves them...see the quotes below.

"Lower anxiety, driven by positive self-efficacy beliefs, boosts athletic performance."  

"Researchers at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation observed increased muscle strength among subjects who performed “mental contractions” of specific muscle groups without actually doing the exercise. How was this possible? EEG monitoring during the mental training revealed elevated cerebral cortex output signal which has been linked to the control of voluntary muscle contractions. This means that visualization triggers areas in the brain that activates the muscles and consequently improves strength." This also implies that brain fatigue reduces muscle output. 

Jason Selk describes creating a "highlight reel" lasting about three minutes to help your sport psychology practice. What belongs? It's your highlights, so include whatever you want. 

That doesn't mean that mental play alone creates expertise. Deliberate practice of skills, competition, game study including video, athletic training, and time all contribute to your process. 

You're skeptical. Who believes in 'mind over matter', especially during the fog of battle? 


Only one of the greatest ballplayers who ever lived. 

Lagniappe (something extra). 

Lagniappe 2. Chloe Gentile shows craft at the net. 

 

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