Callow, N., & Hardy, L. (2001). Types of imagery associated with sport confidence in netball players of varying skill levels. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 13, 1-17.

Imagery type and confidence, two aspects of an applied mental imagery model, and skill level and sport type were examined for associations. Female netball players (low-standard N = 55; high-standard N = 68) were administered the Sport Imagery Questionnaire. One week later in a competition setting, Ss completed the State Sport Confidence Inventory.

In the low-standard group, mastery imagery and imagery related to game strategies [Ss believed they knew what to do and would do it well] accounted for a significant proportion of variance in sport confidence. Specifically, Ss with high confidence used more imagery about dealing with challenging situations and strategies of the game than did those with low confidence. Imagery related to the emotions of playing was negatively related to confidence.

In the high-standard group, goal-achievement imagery was the only significant predictor of variance in confidence measures.

Implication. Athletes of differing skill use different types of imagery. Coaches need to be aware of these differences and adjust imagery instructions according to the situations, needs, and standard of performance of each athlete.

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