The Effect of Cognitive and Motivational Imagery on learning Basic Basketball Skills

Mental Imagery is mental skills that athletes in sport psychologists recommend. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of cognitive and motivational imagery on learning the basic skills of basketball. 51 beginner student volunteers were randomly divided into three groups: 1) physical training (21 patients)، 2) physical training with cognitive imagery (19)، and 3) physical training with emotional imagery (19 people). Each group rehearsed seven weeks، two sessions per week of physical training، cognitive and motivational imagery. Before and after the intervention، participants took part in similar circumstances test shoot، pass and dribble the basketball. Results were analyzed using repeated measures at a significance level of P<0/05. The scores of the within groups showed that 14 session training a significant improved on performance in basic basketball skills (P<0/05). In throwing the ball، physical training combined with cognitive and motivational imagery groups had significantly improved (P<0/05). In passing، two groups physical training with cognitive and motivational imagery experienced greater improvements. Variance between groups was significant only at dribbling skills (P<0/05)، such that the motivational imagery combined with physical training group was better than physical training. As respects، the mental imagery improves athletic performance; Emotional imagery is more effective in motivational and cognitive task’s performance.