Imagery and Visualisation in Sport
Imagery, also known as visualisation, is a powerful psychological skill used by athletes to mentally rehearse performance without physical movement. In IB Sports, Exercise and Health Science (SEHS), imagery explains how mental practice can enhance confidence, focus, and skill execution.
Imagery is widely used across all levels of sport, from beginners learning new skills to elite athletes preparing for competition.
What Is Imagery?
Imagery is the process of creating or recreating experiences in the mind using all the senses. Although it is often associated with visual images, effective imagery involves more than just sight.
Imagery may include:
- Visual sensations
- Kinaesthetic sensations (feeling movement)
- Auditory cues
- Emotional responses
In IB SEHS, students should recognise imagery as a multisensory process.
Internal and External Imagery
Imagery can be performed from different perspectives.
Internal imagery:
- Seeing the performance through your own eyes
- Experiencing the movement as if performing it
External imagery:
- Watching yourself perform from an outside viewpoint
Internal imagery is often more effective for developing technique, while external imagery may help with understanding movement patterns.
How Imagery Improves Performance
Imagery improves performance by activating similar neural pathways to physical practice.
Benefits include:
- Improved confidence
- Enhanced focus and concentration
- Better movement timing and coordination
- Reduced anxiety before performance
In IB SEHS, imagery is often linked to performance consistency and confidence under pressure.
When Imagery Is Most Effective
Imagery is most effective when it is:
- Vivid and detailed
- Controlled and purposeful
- Practised regularly
- Combined with physical practice
Imagery should be realistic and specific to the skill or performance situation.
Imagery and Learning Stages
Imagery can be used at all stages of learning.
- Cognitive stage: understanding the movement
- Associative stage: refining technique
- Autonomous stage: preparing for competition
In IB SEHS, linking imagery use to learning stages strengthens exam answers.
Exam Relevance for IB SEHS
Imagery questions often require explanation and application. High-mark answers clearly define imagery, explain how it improves performance, and apply it to sporting scenarios.
Avoid describing imagery as simply “thinking about the skill” without explanation.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
If imagery and psychological skills feel abstract or difficult to apply in exams, RevisionDojo helps IB SEHS students master mental skills with clear explanations and exam-style practice. It is the most effective way to turn theory into exam marks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is imagery in IB SEHS?
Imagery is the mental rehearsal of skills or performance using the senses.
Is imagery the same as visualisation?
Yes. Visualisation is commonly used as another term for imagery.
How is imagery tested in IB SEHS exams?
Students are often asked to define imagery and apply it to performance preparation or skill learning scenarios.
