Mental Training: Why Mental Practice Works

This will be a new series of posts as I read the book Mental Training for Peak Performance (click on picture for link to Amazon).  These posts will focus on key points from each chapter.

Chapter 1

Topic:  Why Mental Practice Works

The author highlights four reasons (theories) why mental practice works.

Symbolic Learning Theory

This theory is based on the idea that every move we make in life is based on some code (similar to blueprint) in our minds and nervous system.  Thus, if we mentally rehearse an athletic event, we are training our body to make the movements automatic and easy to recall.

Psychoneuromuscular Theory (No that is not a spelling error)

This theory states that mental practice works even when we are sitting still.  The reason being is that our body (mental aspect) is producing small muscular contractions similar to those involved in our sport, all while sitting on the couch.


The author points to an example on a downhill skier:

"In one experiment, a psychologist in Colorado measured the electrical activity of a downhill ski racer while the skier sat quietly imaging the race course.  The printout of the racer's leg muscle contractions and firings corresponded exactly to the terrain of the hilly and challenging ski course.  If  we mentally rehearse our sports often and with great intensity, we strengthen and condition the muscle firings and neuromuscular "phone lines" so that the messages get there more efficiently and with greater clarity"

Bio-Informational Theory

This theory states that if we imagine how we might respond to a certain situation, we can better prepare for it.  The example used in the book was Tigers Woods putting while nervous and anxious.  Much like I am when I tee off in front of people.  If Tiger practices putting while imagining being nervous and anxious, he will feel more comfortable and confident when the nervousness and anxiety hit.  This is exactly what Tiger did.

Dual Coding Theory

The final theory states that athletes receive information through two independent channels (coding systems):  The verbal channel and the motor channel.  Thus, the athlete will perform better if the event or activity is explained to them and then actualized in physical practice.  Reminds me of drivers training.  Classroom study before actual driving.

Let me end this post with the following quote:

"Competitive athletes use imagery to help control anxiety, anger, or pain.  Athletes who learn these skills recreate emotions in their minds to enhance the quality of their performances.  When imagery is used effectively, the learning process becomes exciting and opens up a whole realm of human potential."

Next, Chapter 2: Mental Training Secrets of Competitive Athletes.