What term is used to describe the mental practice of visualizing successful outcomes in sports?

The term "cognitive rehearsal" refers specifically to the mental practice technique where an athlete visualizes themselves performing a skill successfully prior to actually engaging in that skill during competition or practice. This visualization process is not merely daydreaming; it's a structured approach where the athlete mentally walks through the steps of the action, often focusing on positive outcomes and the feelings associated with success. This technique helps to enhance performance by building confidence and refining motor skills in the athlete's mind before they execute the physical task.

Cognitive rehearsal can improve concentration and help manage anxiety by familiarizing athletes with the experience of performing under pressure. It harnesses the power of mental imagery to create a 'dry run' of a performance, leading to greater execution during actual competition scenarios. This practice is commonly used by athletes across various sports to prepare for competition and enhance their overall performance.

While guided imagery involves similar concepts of visualization, it typically focuses more on relaxation and invoking positive feelings rather than explicitly preparing for athletic performance. Mindfulness emphasizes awareness and being present in the moment, which differs fundamentally from the focused goal-oriented nature of cognitive rehearsal. Implicit learning pertains to acquiring skills and knowledge through experience without conscious awareness, which does not align with the proactive nature of cognitive rehearsal.