Specifics of image use among athletes specializing in track and field and rhythmic gymnastics

The article is devoted to analysis of specifics of use of different types of mental images by athletes specializing in diversified kinds of sport. The research involved 24 athletes aged from 16 to 21 who are members of select track and field and rhythmic gymnastics teams of the Moscow State University. Russian version of “The Sport Imagery Questionnaire” (SIQ) aimed at measurement of image use frequency was applied. The research affirmed the hypothesis of existence of difference in image use among athletes with different specialization. It is shown that athletes specializing in rhythmic gymnastics, unlike those engaged in track in field, are more prone to use imagery of cognitive, not motivational, type. It is stated that athletes specializing in track and field mainly use outer perspective of imagery, whereas gymnasts use the inner perspective. The article presents data on specifics of imagery of athletes of different professional levels.

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