Introducing Series on Visualization for Peak Soccer Performance
SOCCER
Ignacio Segovia
6/21/20237 min read
VISUALIZATIONS FOR PEAK SOCCER PERFORMANCE
Part 1
Introducing Series on Visualization for Peak Soccer Performance
Intro: Ignacio Segovia, a mental performance coach, is proud to introduce a series of articles aimed at helping soccer players reach their peak performance. His fascination with the natural use of imaginative techniques among soccer players when he first began coaching inspired him to create this series. Those close lectures have revealed some intriguing and practical ideas about using imagery in soccer, and now Ignacio is ready to share them with the world. He hopes this series will help readers understand how to relax ahead of visualization, create compelling visualizations for peak performance, and harness the power of imagination to help their minds and bodies heal. Let’s get into this journey together!
When I first started coaching soccer players, I was amazed by their natural use of imaginative techniques.
It was like we were speaking the same language when I talked about visualization in my Team Talks! By closely listening to these players, I’ve discovered some intriguing and practical ideas about using imagery in soccer.
As a mental performance coach, I’m always learning as much from soccer players as they do from me. Collaborating together, we often brainstorm exciting new ideas for unleashing the potential of the human imagination. But I frequently get asked this question - “I know imagery is key to sports, but how can I harness my own imagination better?”
Hey there! My name is Ignacio Segovia, and I am pleased to welcome you to this series of articles. I’m excited to introduce a series of articles that will eventually become a series of articles about visualization for PEAK SOCCER PERFORMANCE. You’ll learn how to relax ahead of a visualization, create compelling visualizations for peak performance, and harness the power of imagination to help your mind and body heal. Let’s get started!
90’s The best time ever (lol)
The 80s and 90s represent a prime example for young soccer players who strive to gain a deeper understanding of the psychological aspects of sports and incorporate this knowledge into their training. Thanks to the growth of positive psychology, sport psychology, and hypnosis, we now have various tools to take athletes to the next level.
This article series will take you beyond the basics of sport psychology and delve into the uncharted territory of critical areas. Also, it is important to mention, than rather than focus on psychopathology or physical illness, this series will emphasize wellness, guiding you into taking your mind and body to the next level.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, injuries and illnesses can take a toll on your performance. That’s why this section is a must-read. Here, you’ll gain valuable insights and practical tips tailored to your unique circumstances.
So don’t be left on the sidelines! Tune in for the upcoming articles in this blog series and stay ahead of the game.
Another essential read for serious soccer players is the section on goals. It provides copious excellent suggestions for players facing various transitions, including those searching for scholarships or moving to professional teams. If you fear leaving competitive sports, know the transitional period might be challenging. But fret not. I’m here to guide you and minimize the possible hurdles during this period.
The Soccer Player’s Imagination
The principal intention of this series is to show you how to use your own imagination most effectively. I will provide the tools for understanding the potential use of your imagination. Using those tools, each of us can take responsibility for working with our powers of imagination to enrich our lives. It is a lifelong journey. This is your series of articles. Enjoy!
In this series of articles, I will walk you through my seven-step approach to mental training for achieving peak performance. Expect to learn key pointers on how to prime your mind to perform at its best when it matters most.
I’ve discovered that mental training can sometimes have exceptional results, and other times may only be good, depending on how well clients accept the concepts. Regardless, it’s always positive and highly effective.
Based on the evidence I’ve witnessed first-hand and the many positive testimonials from clients, it’s clear that embracing positivity and productivity can empower individuals to overcome negative thoughts and emotions. This newfound strength can result in enhanced excitement, success, and happiness, ultimately leading to an improved quality of life.
Integrity is everything to me - it’s vital that I “walk my talk” and apply the concepts discussed in my articles, books, and workshops. Mental training has impacted every facet of my life. The principles and techniques learned extend far beyond athletic peak performance into my personal and professional realms.
Over the past few years, I’ve faced significant changes in my life, and mental training has helped me tackle those transitions with conviction and grace. I’m just scratching the surface on the power of mental training, but let me tell you, it’s a game-changer!
This series of articles on Visualizations for Peak Soccer Performance comes straight from my experience as a Mental Performance specialist. During my Masters in Human Factors, I learned how to enhance individuals’ body, social, and mental performance. In soccer, social and cognitive skills are key! With our visualization techniques, you’ll up your game and slay the competition.
Firstly, it is essential to recognize that the mental training program being discussed herein is an educational initiative. It is not intended to cure any profound psychological impasses or issues. When such cases arise, they should be addressed by a certified mental health professional. In such cases, deep-seated psychological troubles may hinder one’s performance. However, this article is aimed at helping soccer players approach competition with an optimistic and enthusiastic frame of mind by providing valuable tips and strategies. It can be an excellent resource to achieve these aims, but seeking professional help to defeat deep-seated psychological trauma is essential.
I wrote this article series from a wellness perspective instead of a narrow, clinical view. This is because our thoughts, feelings, and expectations can shape our own reality. In sport psychology research, goal-setting, positive affirmations, and visualization techniques consistently create favorable outcomes. So let’s start shaping our own better reality today!
Achieving a goal is as important as reaching the destination. It’s essential to recognize that this journey is primarily educational and enriching. Although the process may provide therapeutic benefits, it’s crucial to acknowledge that it’s not a substitute for therapy.
My purpose here is to raise awareness among readers about their processes and encourage them to change what no longer serves them. Our article series aims to help you succeed and improve in both sports and life. Rather than viewing challenges as failures and blocks, I consider them opportunities for growth and learning. It’s important to acknowledge and process your losses and emotions, then let go and focus on healing and growth. Life offers countless opportunities to grow, both personally and professionally. Though it can be challenging at times, I believe that, ultimately, growth is why we’re here.
As I work with soccer players, I inspire them to view visualization techniques as a means of self-discovery instead of escaping reality. While some visualizations apply dissociative imagery, thinking about something else to alleviate pain or treat injuries, most techniques remain firmly grounded in the soccer competition’s process and content, emphasizing the details and intricacies of the sport.
I will share the affirmations and visualization techniques to engage your unconscious mind. However, they’re written in a way that also captures the conscious mind, the one that dominates our waking hours. I’ll help you harness the power of both to serve your goals better.
I believe it’s crucial to nurture an internal state of peacefulness, which would aid in responding to situations rather than instinctively reacting to them. As soccer players, you would then be able to respond from a position of stability rather than react from a state of chaos. The goal is to achieve a sense of harmony - amongst the heart, mind, body, and spirit - to play soccer with enthusiasm, passion, and spirit sourced from a deep reservoir of inner serenity and concord.
Your Grid
The fundamental program of our “Mental Performance Success in 7 Steps with Segovia” is simple, impactful, and effortless to use. These 7 steps are:
Screening
Express solutions
Goals
Optimize
Vision
Inventory
Achievement
I am extracting four practical steps from the seven that make up my “SEGOVIA” program, which soccer players can leverage independently. I then shared these steps in related articles.
“GRIT”
Grit is a personality trait that refers to a person’s ability to persevere and maintain their passion and motivation for long-term goals despite facing obstacles, challenges, or failures. It involves displaying determination, resilience, courage, and tenacity in the face of adversity.
Get Mental Log Keeping
Result-Oriented Goal Setting (Goals)
Internal Dialogue for Self-Encouragement (Affirmations)
Thought-Based Simulation or Imagining (Visualizations)
Before I go on, I’ve noticed that soccer players who want to change their behavior need to be open to…
1. Prioritize Making Changes
2. To achieve greatness, one must be willing to take risks.
3. Make a promise to yourself
4. Just do it, act.
a. Try out new things.
b. Embrace uncertainty and step out of your comfort zone; take that leap of faith!
c. Be ready to accept criticism and admit one’s mistakes, even if it means losing face.
If you don’t have these factors, this group of articles may not be worth your while. It won’t be of much help to you.
Committing to prioritization, risk-taking, and action-taking is vital in enhancing your mental edge. This group of articles promises to provide new competencies in goal-setting, visualization, and affirmations, with the aim of boosting both mental performance and soccer results. Achieving your dreams and goals relies on these skills.