Date of post -Thursday, March 04, 2010
It is not a trick, you can actually become a better soccer player or a faster athlete with your eyes closed. I am referring to 'Visualization.' This is where the athlete has a clear visual of themselves performing a skill in their mind. Research has shown this sports psychology technique to have improved athletic performance in every sport.
Andrew Caruso writes in his book 'Sports Psychology Basics'
"It is nothing more than seeing with the mind the particular skill you hope to achieve. Virtually all recent research has shown that five hours of physical practice and one hour of visualization is consistently better than six hours of physical practice! This is especially so when the visualization and physical practice are clearly integrated to one another."
When visualizing a skill make sure you are very clear and precise, paying extreme attention to detail.
When picturing yourself taking a free kick at goal be specific about where your plant foot goes, your body shape, the part of the foot you are kicking with, head and body position and the part of the ball you are hitting.
You can actually be looking through your eyes as you are about to kick the ball or looking at yourself from above like a movie. Both have been known to work.
Make sure when you perform these exercises that you are totally relaxed and away from distractions. Preferably in a comfortable dark room and laying in a comfortable position with your eyes closed.
The same techniques can be used for speed training. Picture yourself running with excellent form and technique and getting to the ball before an opponent.
Try these techniques on some of your weakness' and see how they improve your performance.