Firing On All Cylinders

"There were times before a game when I would spend an hour with my eyes closed, visualizing all seventy of the plays we were going to run that day. I would picture every detail of the situation - the down, the distance, what hash mark we were on, everything. This really helped me play with confidence, feeling like I knew what was going to happen before it happened."

Drew Brees

Coming Back Stronger: Unleashing the Hidden Power of Adversity

The impact of your performance during the game will be defined by the intensity of your mental imagery before the game begins. Given the physical and mental demands of competition, it is imperative that you condition and prepare your mind to perform at the highest level. It's using all your senses in order to develop full impact imagery or what is called "firing on all cylinders".

Close your eyes and take yourself through one situation or play from the game. In your mind, slowly take yourself through every move and step that you are making from the beginning to the end. Use all your senses, and self-talk, in developing this picture of your performance. See how you are positioned. Feel the uniform and equipment you are wearing or holding. Feel the ground or floor below your feet. See yourself making the first and second moves. Feel the sense of accomplishment as you successfully execute your moves. Listen to yourself as you talk yourself through the series of moves.

See it. Feel it. Hear it. Say it. Replay it.

"The Redmen reread their scouting reports and then closed their eyes and focused on how the game might unfold and how each of them would execute. Coach Barta had taught them to visualize a victory. 'See it, feel it, believe' was the mantra.

Joe Drape

Our Boys: A Perfect Season On The Plains With The Smith Center Redmen