Mental imagery use: the perspective of national team coaches in the U-19 beach volleyball world championship

Abstract

ABSTRACT Youth sports coaches do not seem to have a clear understanding of mental imagery, although research has highlighted its benefits. This study tried to understand the perspective of national coaches regarding the importance of MI in practical settings, analysing how they understand, integrate, and encourage its use. A qualitative approach was used, where semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 beach volleyball national team coaches, in the U-19 world championship. The analysis revealed that coaches broadly understood MI, considering it a valid complement to performance enhancement, but they employ it non-systematically and based on their empirical knowledge. Coaches also highlighted their attempt to encourage athletes to use MI (e.g., in the volleyball serve or in the rehearsal of a play). The importance of MI was recognised, although it is unclear how coaches should encourage athletes to use it, and how they can integrate it into real training environments.