Effects of a cognitive specific imagery intervention on the soccer skill performance of young athletes: Age group comparisons

ObjectivesThe primary purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of a cognitive specific (CS) imagery intervention on the soccer skill performance of young athletes aged 7–14 years and determine if performance varied with age.DesignParticipants were 143 soccer athletes belonging to 16 different teams. Teams were randomly assigned to either a cognitive specific (CS) or motivational general-arousal imagery intervention.MethodsAthletes were administered the SIQ-C and tested on the soccer skill to determine baseline performance. Following their imagery intervention, athletes were tested on the same soccer skill, and completed the SIQ-C a second time.ResultsThe results indicated that only the younger athletes (7–10 years) receiving CS imagery performed faster following their intervention. Moreover, only the 7–8 year old athletes in the CS imagery condition significantly increased their use of CS imagery over time.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that young athletes who use CS imagery will benefit from a CS imagery intervention, thus implying that mental skills training should begin at a young age if athletes are to maximize the benefits of such training.

► Young athletes can benefit from an imagery intervention.
► Daily use of an imagery script increased children’s imagery use.
► For maximum benefits, young children (7 yrs) should begin mental skills training.