EP 15 - 'The Effective Use of Mental Imagery in Enhancing Performance' with Dr Adam Nicholls

This part 1 of an exciting 3-part series in which we explore the effective use of performance enhancement imagery. In law enforcement it is generally accepted that officer mental toughness and mental focus is critical for great decision making and performance. Despite this, very few trainers utilize any type of formalized mental training program. In multiple other domains, the use of mental imagery instruction to increase learning, enhance performance and improve adaptive decision-making has been used for years with proven positive effects. In this interview, Dr Adam Nicholls discusses the research findings of the effectiveness of using mental imagery training in sport. He discusses the proven benefits of mental imagery, the content of effective mental imagery, internal vs external perspectives, the imagery ability of the performer and how it can be enhanced. In addition, Adam discusses the PETTLEP imagery model and considerations for applying it in your training and coaching. Dr Adam Nicholls is a professor of psychology at the University of Hull, UK. Adam’s main focus of research is on psychosocial support to athletes and coaches ranging from grassroots to elite level. Adam is also an accomplished BJJ competitor and in 2021 he won silver at the British Open in gi and bronze at the 2022 no-gi British Open. Dr Nicholls is the author of the textbook ‘Psychology in Sports Coaching’ published by Routledge press. In this important book, Dr Nicholls devotes an entire chapter to the effective use of mental imagery.