Kicking.com: Visualization Techniques

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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.