It's a movie....and you're the star.

Have you ever seen something happen in your mind before it happens for real?

As kids, many hockey players have imagined themselves scoring the winning OT goal in game seven of the Stanley Cup Finals.

The power of our mind is incredible and largely under-developed.

Last week's topic concerned positive self-talk and what you put into your mind concerning your ability and self-image. This week we look at visualization as a powerful tool to help in your hockey success.

NOTE WELL: It works.

With positive self-talk you lay the belief system that allows you to then visualize yourself being great, to see yourself in the moment, in the act of succeeding.

Scoring the OT goal
Making a big, game-changing hit.
Making a great save.
Making the right coaching decision.
Inspiring your players or teammates.


Here are some tips on how you can get good at visualization.

5-Minute Power-Play:

Before each game, find a quiet area and close our eyes. Visualize yourself succeeding, making the right play. It could be as simple as an outlet pass, or some other basic play that happens a bunch of times throughout the game, or a single important, game-changing play. It's up to you.

Keep your eyes closed until you see the action play like a movie in your head. Don't stop until you're able to focus enough to see it clearly, over and over. Remember, it's a movie and you're the star.

Don't just think the outcome, feel the outcome. Don't just see yourself carrying the trophy or being mobbed by teammates after scoring the game winning goal, connect with the emotion that goes with it (like that it feels incredible!)


2-Minute Power-Play:

Ensure that you view the movie through your own eyes, not as a third party. This makes the visualization more powerful and easier to feel what it will be like to accomplish your goals.

Add music to help bring the emotion into the mix.

2-Minute Minor:

Distractions will make it much tougher to focus . Do your best to find a quiet place to visualize your success. Being around teammates who might try and distract you won't help you develop your visualization skills. This can make visualizing right before the game, on your way to the rink, or even at home, some of the best times to practice.


Penalty-Kill:

Like any skill visualization takes practice. Some people may look at you kinda funny too! Make an effort to incorporate this into anything and everything you do, then watch the results. It will only take one time for you to see your movie played out to it's successful result on the ice , for real, to make you a believer.