On episode 5 Erin McGuire discusses mentally rehearsing your performance. Visualization has several names: mental rehearsal, imagery, guided imagery- are just a few of the interchangeable terms used to describe this skill. Visualization refers to imagining yourself performing, as if you were real-time in the moment, executing your play perfectly, exactly as planned..

Visualization incorporates all senses to create the most realistic image in the athlete’s head. Start by finding a comfortable place with limited distractions, you can close your eyes if that helps. Bring your attention to your breathing, slowing your breaths signaling your body to relax and clearing your headspace. Then, step into your playing field. What are you seeing? Hearing? Feeling? Even smelling or tasting come into play in certain sports. Once you’ve created your playing field, rehearse your performance. You are imaging yourself executing your skill perfectly, confidently, from start to finish.