Originally, mental training has been developed to improve movement sequences in sport. Today, different methods are also widely used e.g. in the lifestyle or business sector, to help business or private people improve their job motivation or overcome a life crisis. Of course, it is also used in therapeutical fields.
Please find here a short abstract about possible applications of mental training in sports.
Improvement of movement sequences
An athlete tries to imagine a certain movement sequence with all senses, without performing the movement actively.
This will lead to an improved real movement sequence if applied regularly. This method is also frequently used to decrease movement blockades after operations.
Optimization of arousal for a certain action
Every action demands for a specific level of arousal. Compare an archer with a boxer, and it is clear that an archer has to calm down to hit the target, whereas a boxer has to be more activated before a fight.
It is really important to achieve the proper level of arousal for an upcoming action. This can be learnt with relaxation techniques (e.g. progressive muscle relaxation) and mobilisation techniques (e.g. motivation sentences).
The ability to relax is an essential requirement for mental training techniques.
Regulation of attention
The athlete practices to adjust his perception to a specific situation and concentrate fully on the upcoming event.
Training of anticipation of competence
The athlete practices to assess his abilities in a realistic way and improves his self confidence.
With exact forecasts of results the athlete simulates a competitive atmosphere within his training session. This will lead to more trust in his performance abilities, even under difficult terms.
Training of positive self-talk
Doubts, fear of failure or thinking about the consequences of failure disturb the performance of an athlete. The goal is to replace negative self-talk through positive self-talk to enhance the ability of the athlete to increase attention for the upcoming action and strengthen his motivation