• The Game Changer Newsletter
  • Posts
  • The Power of Visualization — plus a big announcement on our next star athlete joining a virtual fan Q&A

The Power of Visualization — plus a big announcement on our next star athlete joining a virtual fan Q&A

Author

The Game Changer
September 25, 2025

Friday Fuel September 26

Hi team,

This week we’re diving into one of the most underused but powerful tools in sport: visualization. Also called mental imagery or mental rehearsal, it’s about seeing success in your mind before it happens.

Olympic legend Michael Phelps once said:

“Before I race, I always visualize the perfect race. I see every stroke. Every turn. Every breath.”

And the best part? Science shows that when you imagine performing a skill vividly, your brain activates the same pathways as if you were physically doing it. That means visualization is like bonus practice without the fatigue.

Why Visualization Works 🧠✨

  • Neural practice: Mental rehearsal fires the same brain circuits as real movement.

  • Sharper skills: Athletes refine timing, decision-making, and technique even when not on the field.

  • Pressure-proofing: Imagining how you’ll stay calm under stress makes the real moment easier.

  • Adaptability: By rehearsing challenges and comebacks, you’re less rattled by surprises.

Research confirms athletes who combine visualization with training improve faster than those who only train physically. It’s a free edge available to every athlete.

Athlete Tips 🏃‍♀️

  • Use all your senses: Don’t just “see” it — hear the crowd, feel the ball, sense your breathing.

  • Mix perspectives: Visualize from inside your body and from a “movie view” outside.

  • Rehearse success and recovery: Imagine nailing the skill but also bouncing back from mistakes.

  • Keep it short & regular: Even 5 minutes a day builds confidence and sharper execution.

Parent Tips 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

  • Encourage your athlete to take a quiet moment before training or games to visualize.

  • Normalize nerves: remind them visualization is a tool to prepare for all scenarios.

  • Talk about your own mental rehearsal — speeches, work presentations, even tough conversations.

  • Remind them that visualization counts as training — even if no sweat is involved!

This Week’s Challenge 💪

“One Play Ahead”
Before practice or a game, take 3 minutes to close your eyes and imagine one specific play, pass, or shot going exactly the way you want. Repeat it three times. Then see how it feels when you step onto the field or court for real.

Quotes from Champions 🌟

  • “The mind is the limit. As long as the mind can envision the fact that you can do something, you can do it — as long as you really believe 100 percent.” — Arnold Schwarzenegger (7× Mr. Olympia, actor, governor)

  • “I am the greatest. I said that even before I knew I was.” — Muhammad Ali (boxing legend, three-time heavyweight champion)

  • “Before every game I visualize myself making plays. I see myself running, tackling, scoring. It gives me confidence that when the moment comes, I’m ready.” — Jerry Rice (NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver)

  • “When you visualize, then you materialize. If you’ve been there in the mind, you’ll go there in the body.” — Dr. Denis Waitley, mental coach for U.S. Olympic athletes and NASA astronauts

  • “If you don’t see it, it’s hard to be it. Visualization is key to reaching your full potential.” — Serena Williams (23× Grand Slam tennis champion)

  • “If you can see yourself hitting a dive, the chances of you hitting a dive increase greatly.” — Troy Dumais (Olympic diver)

  • “When I get there, I’ve already pictured what’s going to happen a million times so I don’t actually have to think about it.” — Missy Franklin (Olympic swimmer)

Watch & Read 📺📖

Here are four excellent resources to dig deeper into visualization:

Special Announcement 🚨

We’re excited to share that All Black Cam Roigard will be our next Game Changer Virtual Fan Q&A this October 🙌

Cam is one of New Zealand rugby’s rising stars. A halfback for the Hurricanes, he made his All Blacks debut in 2023 and quickly became known for his sharp passing, speed around the ruck, and calm decision-making.

👉 Even more exciting — Cam has been named in the All Blacks squad to play in the Bledisloe Cup this Saturday.

Fans will get the chance to meet him live on Zoom, ask questions, and hear first-hand what it’s like to wear the black jersey.

📅 Final date and details will be announced soon — keep an eye on Friday Fuel and our socials.

Final Word ✨

Visualization is like training your brain’s highlight reel before the real moment. The clearer and more detailed the mental picture, the more naturally your body follows when it counts.

And with athletes like Cam Roigard joining our community next month, we’ll get to hear directly how the pros use tools like visualization and mental preparation at the highest level.

Thanks for being part of our Game Changer community

Billinda and Ben
FYA - Fueling Youth Athletes
🎙️ Home of The Game Changer Podcast