Effects of image speed on the acquisition and performance of a soccer skill

In the present study, the effects of three imagery conditions on the performance of a soccer dribbling task were examined. Ninety-seven male and female first-year undergraduate students were randomly assigned to one of five conditions: (1) Real time imagery; (2) Slow motion imagery; (3) Slow motion concluded with real time imagery; (4) Physical practice; or (5) Control. Performance was evaluated based on time to complete the task as well as the number of errors per task attempt. A secondary purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of the various imagery conditions on participants' self-efficacy perceptions. Participants were administered the Movement Imagery Questionnaire-Revised (MIQ-R; Hall & Martin, 1997) prior to soccer dribbling performance data collection which allowed for between-gender comparison of visual and kinesthetic imagery ability. A self-efficacy measure was constructed for the study based on recommendations made by Bandura (1997), and was administered prior to, as well as immediately after imagery or physical practice intervention. Results indicated that males and females did not differ in their imagery ability on either scale of the MIQ-R (visual or kinesthetic). (Abstract shortened by UMI.).