I want to share how coaches build winning teams through the power of visualization. The benefits are an increased focus and self-belief, and a calmness under pressure.

Unfortunately, too many coaches forgo this critical element of coaching. Winning begins in the mind. Huge opportunities are missed when coaches do not intentionally and persistently develop players’ mental strength.

We move in the direction of our thoughts.

The primary reason why is lack of understanding of how to visualize.

Other reasons are,

• Lack of training time; skill development takes priority.

• Belief that visualization doesn’t produce tough players.

• Lack of commitment to visualization practices.

• Coaches don’t teach players how to visualize.

Here’s how to get better at using visualization as a powerful coaching tool:

Visualize success: This is vital because players place themselves in a space of powerful positivity. Before games, involve players in brief visualization sessions (5 minutes) where they quietly visualize success on the field. This takes repetition and practice to begin see and feel the minute details of the game.

Visualize competence: Many coaches get this wrong because they only have players focus on the positive. To avoid this, have players close their eyes and visualize situations of the game where they feel less confident. The players imagine, in vivid detail, how to get out of tricky situations and make those difficult plays. So, when those moments arise in the game, the players have strategies and a level of confidence to overcome the challenges.

Be bold and relentless: Make this part of training by starting small. Just a few visualization sessions a week. Keep them short. Explain the “why” to the players. Tell them about champions who used this methodology.

The strategies are simple, take very little time and are highly effective.