Basketball Visualization Study Shows Mental Practice Nearly Equals Physical Practice

What was said

"The group that visualized was only a couple of percentage points less than the group that actually practiced. So by actually sitting with your eyes closed and visualizing making free throws, it's almost as good as being able to practice."

Alan Stein cited research where basketball players were split into three groups over 21 days: one practiced free throws, one only visualized making them, and one did nothing. The visualization-only group improved nearly as much as the physical practice group, demonstrating the neurological power of mental rehearsal for skill development.