The study by Thelwell and Maynard (2003) explores how mental visualization can help footballers improve their accuracy during penalty kicks, a decisive moment where stress management and concentration are crucial.
In football, penalty shootouts are often as much a mental challenge as a technical one.
This research focuses on the impact of mental preparation on performance, showing how mental imagery training, combined with physical training, enhances shooting accuracy.
Study Methodology
Thelwell and Maynard recruited a group of footballers and divided them into two separate groups:
Visualization Group : This group used visualization sessions in addition to traditional physical training. Before each shooting session, the players mentally visualized the perfect shot, incorporating details such as the position of their feet, the angle of their body, and the point of impact of the ball.
Control group : Members of this group underwent classic physical training without adding visualization.
Each player's performance was assessed before and after the training period, by measuring shot accuracy under conditions simulating the pressure of a real match.
Study results
The results showed that the visualization group significantly improved the accuracy of its shots compared to the control group.
By visualizing specific shooting situations, players were able to strengthen the neural connections associated with performing that action, which improved their confidence and accuracy when shooting.
The study's findings show that visualization allows:
An improvement in accuracy : Footballers who incorporate visualization execute more accurate shots, thanks to mental preparation of technical movements.
Better stress management : Visualization helps players mentally familiarize themselves with the pressure of a penalty kick, thus reducing the negative effects of anxiety.
Increased concentration : By visualizing the perfect movement, players are able to concentrate more effectively when shooting.
Practical application in football
Integrating visualization into penalty shootout training sessions offers tangible benefits for footballers, both technically and psychologically.
Coaches can leverage this technique to help players prepare mentally before matches , especially for high-pressure situations such as penalty shootouts or finals.
The study by Thelwell and Maynard (2003) confirms that visualization is a powerful tool for improving the accuracy of goal kicks in football. By mentally rehearsing technical movements, athletes can strengthen their psychological control, increase their concentration, and refine their skills, thus increasing their chances of success in decisive moments.
How CVPM supports visualization to improve goal-shooting accuracy
The Virtual Mental Preparation Centre (CVPM) offers a specialized approach to visualization, ideal for footballers seeking precision.
Through structured and accessible online modules, the CVPM helps athletes refine their visualization skills. Players learn to imagine penalty kick scenarios, control their emotions, and focus under pressure. This approach builds confidence and accuracy, key elements for optimal penalty kick performance.
Study reference
The study by Thelwell and Maynard (2003), entitled "The effects of a mental skills training package on gymnasium triathlon performance" and published in Psychology of Sport and Exercise , examined the impact of visualization and mental management techniques on goal-scoring accuracy. They demonstrated that soccer players incorporating visualization practices improved their accuracy compared to those using only physical training. This research highlights the importance of mental skills in athletic performance, particularly under high pressure.
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