Imagery and Routines

Mental imagery is the deliberate use of the mind to create or recreate an experience, and a pre-performance routine is a consistent sequence of thoughts and actions carried out before a skill.

Athletes use both to learn skills, build confidence, manage anxiety and perform consistently under pressure. Imagery is also called visualisation or mental rehearsal.

For the sport and exercise medicine (SEM) clinician they matter most in rehabilitation. Motor imagery helps maintain and relearn movement during injury, has a role in some persistent pain rehabilitation, and helps rebuild confidence for return to sport.