A Better Way to Do Mental Practice?

Nov 10, 2024

Discover the power of mental practice and visualization techniques used by both athletes and musicians to enhance performance. Learn how elite performers utilize mental imagery to overcome challenges and improve focus. Explore insights into dynamic imagery, which proves more effective than traditional methods by engaging the body physically. Addressing common issues like distractions and performance anxiety, this discussion offers practical strategies to help you feel more connected and effective in your practice and performances.

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ANECDOTE

Steve Nash's Free Throw Routine

Steve Nash mimicked free throws before shooting them in his pre-shot routine.
This unique dynamic imagery likely contributed to his NBA record free throw percentage over 90%.

INSIGHT

Dynamic Imagery Enhances Performance

Dynamic imagery with slight physical movement enhanced jump quality and bar clearance success.
Timing between imagined and real jumps was almost identical only with dynamic imagery.

ADVICE

Use Small Movements in Visualization

Add slight physical movements for more vivid and effective mental practice.
Let your fingers and body engage while visualizing excerpts to improve focus and realism.

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The use of mental practice or mental imagery to enhance learning and performance is extremely common amongst athletes in sports. And it’s something that musicians like Horowitz, Rubinstein, Glenn Gould, and learners at all levels have been known to use in music as well.

But I’ve had students and professional musicians alike tell me that they sometimes have difficulty making the imagery feel real. Or that they have difficulty staying engaged with it. As in, one minute they’re visualizing some music, and the next, their mind has drifted off to food. Or they fall asleep. 🤣

Could there be a better way to do visualization?

Get all the nerdy details and study links here:
A Better Way to Do Mental Practice?

* * *
Have you been feeling a little stuck or stagnant in the practice room? Or has performance anxiety and the gap between practice and performance been a nagging issue that hasn’t changed, no matter how well you've prepared for performances, auditions - and even lessons?

If you’ve been wanting to experience more joy in the practice room and play more like yourself on stage, but haven’t been quite sure how to make that happen, starting July 22, 2025, I’ll be teaching a live, online, accelerated 2-week class on the most essential mental skills and practice strategies that can make a difference in your practicing and performing.

We’ll meet twice a week via Zoom and work on a series of exercises and techniques in four essential skill areas (effective practice, managing anxiety, focus, and confidence), together as a group. And to make sure the concepts become consistent habits, I'll show you how to gently integrate these new skills into your (or your students’) daily practice through bite-sized practice challenges alongside a supportive group of practice buddies from around the world.

Over 2000 musicians, educators, and students and learners of all ages have participated in the course to date. You can find out what alumni are saying, and sign up to join Cohort 24 at:

bulletproofmusician.com/essentials