Discuss three uses of mental imagery with examples from sport.

improve concentration/ focus for example a player setting up to kick a penalty imagines the strike and then the ball flying successfully / helps to take their mind away from the pressure of the moment ✔

build confidence for example a skier imagining a successful run down a difficult section helps to make them feel confident ✔

control emotional responses for example a surfer imagining they are catching a big wave under pressure of a competition ✔

acquire and practice sports skills for example a rock climber mentally rehearses themselves climbing a route ✔

cope with pain and injury for example a rugby player blocking out the fact that they have hurt part of their body so that they can perform successfully ✔

solve problems / imagining all the possible problems they may have during the game/sport and solving them mentally before they could happen ✔

acquire skills for example a novice tennis player imagines completing a serve before executing it themselves ✔

Marking points must include a sporting example.

This was variable in the way students answered. Some students achieved fewer marks because they failed to provide examples.