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Sport can involve just visualisation or the use of self-hypnosis as a means of enhancing performance. Training is undoubtedly important, but this is often taken to be physical training. Here we concentrate on training the mind. Sport involves performance of mind and body. This involves a variety of considerations, e.g. setting goals, having the correct mental set, using inner games, raising confidence, over-coming mental blocks, etc.

Goals are important and must be approached in the right manner. Goals must be clear and well defined. This is also true of sports affirmations, which should be short so that they can easily be recalled. Besides sports affirmations it is possible to use sports metaphors and sports images. These are useful since the suggestions are indirect. Most athletes know how important it is to have the correct mental set and here we offer some ways of achieving this. Of course, confidence is all important along with a positive attitude and there are images and exercises as an aid in raising your self-confidence and enhancing a more positive attitude. Control too is important, especially in dealing with inevitable setbacks.

Sports psychologists have also discussed two topics that have been found useful: inner games and autogenic training. These are particularly useful if you are ill or injured and cannot participate in your sport. Also useful in this regard is the inner training laboratory.