Most sports psychologists are OBSESSED with visualization. They believe that if you simply imagine yourself playing perfectly, then you will - as if by some new age magic.

To some degree, I agree with them - I use visualization myself and with many of my clients. I believe an athlete has to have an idea or a blueprint for how he or she would like to perform, but to use visualization as a pre-game warm up is ridiculous. It’s important to remember that visualization is one part of proper game-day preparation and in order for it to be most effective, it must be done at the right time.

Visualization Is Not A Pre-Game Warmup…

You see, what usually happens when an athlete visualizes the perfect game right before they play is that they end up psyching themselves out and over thinking the entire game. This leads to even more stress and tension - the exact opposite of what you want.

Here’s What You Should Be Doing…

The most important preparation should be done before the game, before the warm ups, before the change room, before you even wake up on game day. If you’re trying to get a handle on your mind and emotions right before the game, it’s already too late.

All preparation - this includes mental rehearsal, anchoring, centering and affirming, should be finished and ready to use on game day. For example, anchors should already be setup so you can rapidly access any positive state. For more information on building solid, reliable anchors and to learn more about proper game day preparation check out chapter 7 of the Mental Contender Guidebook.

Do The OPPOSITE Of What You Think You Should Do

Instead of getting caught up in your head and visualizing your game to death right before you play, you should be getting yourself prepared for the game - building a powerful, energetic physical state and a calm, focused mental state. This way, you’ll be 100% ready to compete and perform at your peak.