Abstract
The PETTLEP model provides practitioners with a set of guidelines when implementing imagery interventions and is grounded in the concept of functional equivalence or simulating the actual performance during imagery (Holmes & Collins, 2001). A central tenet of the model emphasizes the speed at which imagery is completed and it has been suggested that image speed may change based on the skill level of the athlete (Beilock & Gonso, 2008). Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to examine the effect of image speed (slow-motion, real-time, and fast-motion) on putting performance. Participants consisted of 56 novice golfers (Mage = 21.50, SD = 1.89) each completing three sets of putts at different image speeds, in counterbalanced order. Prior to every putt, participants completed a practice swing and self-timed the speed of their imagery. Putting performance was determined by calculating the distance from the hole with higher scores representing a more successful putt. The results of a repeated-measures ANOVA demonstrated that fast-motion imaging significantly hindered putting performance, F(3,53) = 60.90 , p <.001, as compared to slow-motion and real-time imagery. The results of this study will assist practitioners in implementing imagery interventions with novice athletes.
