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Hypnosis
has a long history in sports performance enhancement, especially
self-hypnosis.
(A reminder that all hypnosis is self-hypnosis.)
Hypnosis
in sports is enjoying a more positive image. The Association
for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology (AAASP, n,
d.), which is the recognized body for the science of applied
sport psychology, now lists hypnosis as one of the nine modalities
it endorses for enhancing performance in athletes.

Since
the 1970's sport psychologists have been teaching a variety
of visualization exercises to athletes to enhance performance.
Many of these visualization exercises, especially mental rehearsal,
are performed in a relaxed state and quite often the athletes
experience hypnotic trance states by accident or on purpose.
In this state of self-hypnosis, the routines and behaviors
are strongly imprinted upon the subconscious so that when
it comes time to perform, athletes can more easily move into
flow, recreate a flawless routine, or exhibit remarkable creativity
in their performances.
Visualization is a staple of sports mental skills training
packages. Following is a list of five types of imagery (visualization)
utilized to enhance performance:
1.
Motivational general imagery for self-confidence.
2. Cognitive
specific imagery for rehearsal of skills.
3. Kinesthetic imagery
for movement awareness.
4.
Arousal imagery for levels of cognitive anxiety.
5. Mastery imagery that combines cognitive specific
imagery
with motivational general imagery to enable the practitioner
to take control of the kinesthetic visualization.
Regardless
of the type of visualization, the addition of hypnosis can
improve its effectiveness. |