Brigitte claims that this technique gave her the advantage because she was prepared for it...in fact, she planned the outcome already - in her mind.

Visualization is also referred to as guided imagery, or the process of creating a scene in the athlete's mind of what she wants to happen. An athlete will create images, like pictures or movies, that recreate her best performances, or she will envision a desired outcome. While imagining these scenarios, the athlete actually imagines every detail and the way it feels to perform just the way she wants. These images can be visual (images and pictures), kinesthetic (how the body may feel), or auditory (McMahon reported imagining the roar of the crowd). Using the mind, an athlete can call up these images over and over, enhancing her skill through repetition or rehearsal, similar to physical practice. With mental rehearsal, minds and bodies become trained to actually perform the skill imagined.

Both physical and psychological reactions in certain situations can be improved with such visualization. Such repeated imagery can build both experience and confidence in an athlete's ability to perform certain skills under pressure, and in a variety of possible situations. The most effective visualization techniques result in a very vivid sport experience in which the athlete has complete control over a successful performance.

Guided imagery and visualization can maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of an athlete's training. In a world where sports performance and success is measured in one hundredths of a second, most athletes will use every possible training technique at hand. Visualization is used by many to gain that very slim margin.

How To Develop Visualization and Imagery Skills:

Imagery and visualization are the main ingredients for success. Visualization with the of use imagery is thinking and seeing yourself perform positively and successfully in all situations: whether it is in the classroom, at training or in a competitive realm. The following are techniques to follow, remembering that these are learned skills that take practice. Visualization and imagery development varies with each athlete, depending on their commitment to the process.

Visualization and Imagery Techniques:

1.Visualize from your "minds eye" or as you would see it.

2.Visualize with as many of your senses as possible. Utilize all your 7 intelligences. Try to re-create as many feelings and muscular stimuli with each visualization as you can.

3.Visualize as many times during the day as possible, when you get up , before training, after training and always before you fall asleep.

4.Visualize all the various situations that you will be facing.

5.Visualize those skills or plays which are the most difficult for you. It is important that the images are as perfect as possible, include as much of the physical feeling of doing these techniques as you can.

6.Repeat each image in your mind as many times as possible. Utilize every opportunity to reinforce neuromuscular patterning.