The Effect of an Ecological Imagery Program on Soccer Performance of Elite Players

Abstract

Purpose: Despite the acknowledged impact of imagery on performance, ecologically sound studies investigating imagery and its effects on performance subcomponents in real games are surprisingly limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of imagery training on passing improvement in elite soccer players.Methods: Sixty nine soccer players taking part in the national championship leagues in four age categories including U16, U19, U21 and over 21 were randomly assigned to the imagery and control groups. Interventional group participants completed an 8 week video-aided, cognitive imagery program on how to make a perfect soccer pass.Results: Performance analysis through close video analysis showed that successful pass rate increased significantly in the intervention group compared to control (OR=1.19, P=0.002, 95% CI=1.06-1.33). Further analysis revealed that the results are statistically significant in U16 and U21 but not other categories. Conclusions:We concluded that successful soccer passing through real competitions as a multidimensional and critical open skill could be enhanced by an ecologically sound method of mental imagery.

Efeito agudo da imagética no desempenho de lances livres e percepção de autoeficácia em atletas

“…This study's results are in agreement with the findings of published literature showing that motor imagery can be used as a psychological ergogenic technique, possibly as a result of neuromotor or psychosomatic changes 2,3,[24][25][26] . However, in the present study motor imagery was used in an acute manner, i.e., the effect was tested immediately after a single session, in contrast with the other studies in the literature, in which the effects of chronic motor imagery training were investigated.…”

“…However, this study's design makes it possible to raise this hypothesis, but not to confirm it sufficiently to be able to recommend the technique. To provide this degree of certainty a more ecological study design would be needed, similar to the one conducted by Seif-Barghi et al, 24 in which football players' passing performance was analyzed during matches.…”

“…However, in the present study motor imagery was used in an acute manner, i.e., the effect was tested immediately after a single session, in contrast with the other studies in the literature, in which the effects of chronic motor imagery training were investigated. 3,[24][25][26][27] Notwithstanding, it is worth remembering that analyzing performance in terms of percentages has true ecological validity when studying basketball, since results are summarized this way over the course of training and competitions, for evaluating both individual players' and whole teams' performance, both by coaches and championship organizers.…”

The Effectiveness of Psychological Skills Training Program on Netball Shooting Performance

“…Weinberg and Gould (2014) responded that the PST program was effective to improve athletic performance and success. It was either with one single skills like self-talk training program such soccer skills (Johnson, Hrycaiko, Johnson, & Halas, 2004), swimming backstroke (Zetou, Nikolaos, & Evaggelos, 2014), cycling time trial (Barwood, Corbett, Wagstaff, McVeigh, & Thelwell, 2015), or imagery training program such netball shooting (Fowler, 2010;Halim & Ismail, 2016;Wakefield & Smith, 2009), soccer passing (Seif-Barghi, Kordi, Memari, Mansournia, & Jalali-Ghomi, 2012), soccer free kick accuracy (Hallsson, 2013), volleyball serve (Velentzas, Heinen, & Schack, 2011), basketball free throw shooting (Samis-Smith, 2015) proven interesting significant results towards athletes performance, or the use of package approach -imagery, goal setting, and variations of self-talk used in Blakeslee & Goff (2007), Wolframm & Micklewright (2011), Kerkez, Kulak, & Aktas (2012) and Montgomery, Ross, Perry, & Hansen (2017). Interestingly, even with large numbers of interventions provide by the researchers, there is still lack of information on the comparison study between different combinations of mental strategy based on the assessment on the same task-performance.…”

Portable devices for delivering imagery and modelling interventions: effects on netball players’ adherence, shooting performance, and self-efficacy

“…Imagery training based on video modelling has become a preferred method of delivering imagery training compared to the traditional method using a written imagery script [1]. For example, imagery training combined with video modelling is practical, especially for individuals who have some difficulties practising imagery due to lack of experience in specific events (e.g., Olympics, Tour de France) or limited sports and imagery skills [2].…”