La ripetizione mentale della propria prestazione sportiva è uno degli aspetti del mental coaching che distingue gli atleti vincenti dagli altri. E’ una storia vecchia, tanto che già nel 1984 la rivista della Scuola dello Sport pubblicò su questo tema una rassegna di Frester con ricerche risalenti agli anni ’50. Da allora sono passati 30 anni ma ciò nonostante la ripetizione mentale non è ancora diventata in Italia un elemento centrale dell’allenamento e della preparazione alla gara.
L’uscita quest’anno della sesta edizione del libro “Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology” di R. Weinberg e D. Gould fornisce l’opportunità di leggere alcune delle citazioni a riguardo dell’uso della ripetizione mentale, che mi auguro siano di ispirazione concreta per molti dei nostri atleti e allenatori.
Jack Nicklaus, golfer
Before every shots I go to the movies inside my head. Here is what I see. First, I see the ball where I want to finish, nice and white and sitting up high on the bright green grass. Then I see the ball going there; its path and trajectory and even its behavior on landing. The next scene shows me taking the kind of swing that will turn the previous image into reality. There home movies are a key to my concentration and to my positive approach to every shot.
Michael Phelps, swimmer
Before the Olympic trials I was doing a lot of viualization. And I think that helped me to get a feel of what it was going to be like when I got there.
Sir Alex Ferguson, former manager of Manchester United
I was always trying to add imagination to my coaching emphasizing the need for players to have a picture in their minds, to visualize how they could have a creative impact on the shifting pattern of a game.
Chris Evert, former tennis player
Before I play a match, I try carefully rehearse what is likely to happen and how I will react in certain situations. I visualize myself playing tipical points based on my opponent’s style of play. I see myself hitting crisp, deep shots from the baseline and coming to the net if a get weak return. This helps me mentally prepare for a match, and I feel like I’ve already played the match before I even walk on the court.
