USOC Mental Training Skill 2: Mental Imagery Rating 

  • USOC Skill 2: Mental Imagery Rating

  • How Am I Doing? Rate Your Own Use of Mental Imagery

    Answer the following questions to determine if learning and practicing Mental Imagery skills may be an important skill for you to improve upon.
  • 1. I see myself clearly and vividly performing entire skills in my respective sport(s)/discipline(s).*
  • 2. I control my mental images, performing exactly as I want to, for an entire skill, or set of skills, in my sport(s)/disciplines.*
  • 3. I utilize my sense of touch in my mental imagery, “feeling” the sensations that come with performing in my sport(s)/discipline(s).*
  • 4. I utilize my sense of smell in my mental imagery, and am aware of the smells and scents associated with my sport(s)/discipline(s) while performing them.*
  • 5. I utilize my sense of hearing in my mental imagery, “hearing” the sounds that come with performing in my sport(s)/discipline(s).*
  • 6. When I am anxious or tense, I imagine calming images to help to relax myself.*
  • 7. When I am “flat” or too relaxed, I imagine exciting or uplifting images to psych myself up.*
  • 8. I successfully imagine myself performing a skill when I am training.*
  • 9. I successfully imagine myself performing a skill/discipline before I compete.*

  • If your total score added up to:

  • 12-18

    You appear to have learned the basics of mental imagery and can use the skill effectively when nended.

  • 6-11

    It sounds like you have some experience with the use of mental imagery, but may need some additional training in how to make your mental images controllable and vivid, use all of your senses in your mental imagery, and/or make sure that you can use it when you really need it. You may benefit from reviewing the below exercises.

    Mental Imagery Exercise #1 - HERE

    Mental Imagery Exercise #2 - HERE

    Mental Imagery Exercise #3 - HERE

    Mental Imagery Exercise #4 - HERE

  • 0-5

    You will definitely benefit from some additional training in how to use your imagination effectively.

    The following exercises could benefit you greatly:

    Mental Imagery Exercise #1 - HERE

    Mental Imagery Exercise #2 - HERE

    Mental Imagery Exercise #3 - HERE

    Mental Imagery Exercise #4 - HERE

  • Should be Empty: