Motor imagery as a potential tool to alleviate choking under pressure in sports performance

Abstract

Choking under pressure is a popular issue in sports, having adverse effects on athletes’ performance. It can occur for various reasons, such as debilitative anxiety, increased fear of failure, lack of confidence, lack of preparation, and the presence of distractions. This review investigates the utility of motor imagery as an intervention for choking. Motor imagery, a cognitive process encompassing mental rehearsal of physical movements without physical execution, has been demonstrated to enhance motor skill acquisition and execution among athletes. Beyond its efficacy in enhancing motor skills, motor imagery imparts psychological advantages to athletes by reducing anxiety and bolstering confidence, both pivotal factors in averting performance breakdowns under pressure. In summary, motor imagery holds promise as an intervention for alleviating choking under pressure in sports performance. Nonetheless, further investigations are imperative to ascertain optimal approaches for integrating motor imagery into sports training and competitive settings.