Best practice for improving children's and adolescents’ sport skills with motor imagery

Abstract

ABSTRACTOver the past 50 years, a large number of studies have been carried out on the use of motor imagery practice (also called mental practice) to train motor functions. Because of its proven effectiveness for motor learning in adults, many researchers have investigated whether this technique can also improve the motor (especially sport) performances of children and adolescents. Although there is evidence that mental practice positively affects motor learning in young athletes, questions remain about the best way of implementing this type of training when participants’ motor imagery and cognitive functions are not yet fully developed. We reviewed the literature on mental practice in typically developing children and adolescents. Based on our findings, we then drew up a list of recommendations and guidelines for practitioners and coaches to develop effective motor imagery interventions for young athletes. Unresolved issues, methodological limitations of empirical studies, and research perspectives in the field of motor imagery training are discussed.