Visualization Techniques
Brad Bohn
Article posted on 6/11/2005

Practicing technique and routine will give you a tremendous sense of confidence when thrust into a pressure situation. However, if you have never been in a situation where 50,000 people are screaming at you, your team is down by 2 and the season is on the line, how can you possibly prepare for it?

From the start of my freshman year, I was committed to visualizing myself in these potential situations. Every night, I would go through a different situation, always ending in a successful result. As a result, I was 15 out of 16 in pressure kicks in college and kicked a game winning field goal for the Detroit Lions in 2001.

Try this, close your eyes and visualize the following scenario:

• Picture your home stadium.

• It is a packed house, not a seat left in the stadium.

• The cool air is blowing in your face at 5 mph.

• You can smell the freshly cut grass.

• You look at the scoreboard; 1:53 remaining the score is 16-14, you are trailing.

• You make your way over to the kicking net to warm up, hoping your teammates can drive 30 extra yards to get you in range to win the game.

• 3 of your teammates pat you on the shoulder pads and tell you "We need this Kick!"

• As you make your way to the kicking net, your team has passed the 50 yard line.

• You can feel the anticipation in your stomach.

• You kick 3 balls into the net with perfect technique, smooth and calm, you're ready!

• Your team completes a pass to the 22 yard line, you are in range. 32 seconds remain.

• Your coach calls you to his side and asks, "Which hash would you like the ball".

  You tell him with confidence, "The right one sir!!"

• 2 more teammates pat you on the back and tell you you're the man!!

• You nod your head in reassurance, your teammates are scared, but you are confident!!!

• After 1 final running play, your coach calls for the field goal team.

• Jogging on the field, you take a practice swing, with perfect technique.

• The cool breeze is in your face at 5 mph.

• You get your spot as your teammates huddle to your left.

• As you take your steps, your focus becomes exactly on your target.

• You take a deep breath, nod to your holder and remind yourself to follow through.

• The snap comes back a bit high; your holder gets it down.

• You can see the ball as if it were in slow motion.

• Visualize yourself making perfect contact and finishing the kick.

• You look up to see the ball split the uprights.

• Before you can think, your teammates mob you on the field.

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