“Get the fundamentals down, and the level of everything you do will rise” Michael Jordan

You often hear about elite athletes working with sports psychologists and using mental imagery techniques to enhance their performance. However, these basketball psychology techniques are not solely for elite athletes.

Mental imagery can be effective on any level. It will bring you closer to realizing your true potential.

According to sports psychology for basketball research using mental imagery reports that imagery works because neurons in our brains, interpret imagery as equivalent to real-life actions. So, when you are imagining performing on a basketball court, the brain will send small nervous impulses to the muscles.

Although these nerve impulses are not strong enough to produce a muscular contraction, they will start to establish a nervous pathway and fire in the same sequence as they would if you were performing the skill.

However, when you physically practice the skill, the nervous pathway will become reinforced and stronger.

The nerve system is different for different athletes. Although many possess similar strengths and weaknesses, it is vital to individualize your imagery scripts.

Create a Vivid Mental Image

The first step to creating a vivid mental image is to figure out what you want to do and what you want to improve on.

Knowing precisely how you want to perform will help you achieve this task.

What does your ideal play look like? What does the winning game look like? Take your time, think it through, and be specific.

Some athletes find it useful to write their script down in detail. This will help create the images in your mind.

Incorporate all senses in your image to make it most useful. What do you see, hear, and feel throughout the script you are playing in your head?

Envision Yourself Achieving Your Goal

Realistic goal setting is an essential part of mental. The experience of working toward a goal, and achieving a goal has a powerful emotional resonance that causes you to strive for higher goals.

Create a vivid mental picture of yourself succeeding your goals; envision what you must do during each step of the process. Use positive self-talk to stay focused and motivated when you experience obstacles or setbacks.

Setting goals and mental imagery alone with hard work and dedication is a powerful way to achieve positive change and ensure positive performance so you can reach your full potential in basketball.

*Download the free mental game assessment and get started on Improving your Mental Game in Basketball.