Visualisation/mental training?

[Lemberg]

Couple of weeks ago our Provincial Federation had set up a session witha sports psychologist for the province's top athletes, where the main discussion was centered around the mental training where you visualize your actions over and over again, thus building new neural connections etc. Sounded interesting and I've been trying to do it as well... Probably it's unreasonable top expect any results over a very short term, but I'm just curious, any of you guys do it? Any opinions about it?
Thanks

[Christopher J Umbs]

I think it's very useful. I've also seen advice saying to visualize the entire scenario including how you'll feel after winning. Nice to see that daydreaming can be useful

[BenTheEMOP]

I'm no top athlete, but I found it helped me beat one guy at my club who was giving me a particularly hard time. I would visualize my bouts with him on my morning commute (people just thought I was sleeping on the El, probably, but I was fencing the whole time), and see where I made my mistakes and where the openings were.

You can use it for practicing a technique, trying to incorporate your coach's advice into your fencing, or solving a problem you have with a tricky opponent.

Having a vivid imagination helps.

[Fencergrl]

You can also get training CD's. I find that helps as well.

I did a lot of visual training as a kid with other sports. It's a great way to train.

[parrythis]

Absolutely! I do a couple of kinds of visualization.

First, when I step onto the piste, I try to visualize all my fencing knowledge in one place at one time. This reminds me of things I can do that I might otherwise forget. It helps me to avoid playing a limited game.

Second, during non-fencing time, I visualize sequences of moves and how I might counter an opponent's actions. For me the best time to do this is during my hour-long drive to and from work each day. The drive is mostly rural expressway and is otherwise unstimulating. It works well and I have worked out some interesting fencing tactic problems this way, but it probably looks a little strange to passing motorists when I'm driving down the road and my right hand starts going through the moves on its own.

[D+F+P=Hadouken!]

I've had success with it. Some really good guitarists visualize the fretboard and themselves playing, and apparently, it works.

[Prince Twilight]

Originally Posted by parrythis

Second, during non-fencing time, I visualize sequences of moves and how I might counter an opponent's actions. For me the best time to do this is during my hour-long drive to and from work each day. The drive is mostly rural expressway and is otherwise unstimulating.

That's cool. The problem I have is with people who seem to be doing this on NORMAL roads and highways. Or maybe they should just learn how to drive

[copfencer]

It does work. Police training has made use of it for years. During down time you visualize different scenarios and their outcomes... and we stole it from athletes! But the trick is to ALWAYS visualize yourself as making the moves and coming out on top.

[Phincer]

I heard a story on the radio a week or so ago about how someone discovered mirror neurons in the brain...if you watch Tiger swing then you can improve your swing...something like that. So if that works, then we should be including watching fencing videos in training.

The link: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/s...toryId=4729505

Just another tool...