As a psychologist specializing in mental imagery, I've encountered countless individuals (including psychologists, athletes, and coaches) who believed their struggles with imagery were set in stone. Many athletes, for instance, perceived their weak imagery abilities (e.g., lack of ability to visualize, hear sounds, or even manage emotions) as an immovable barrier to peak performance. However, through a study conducted by myself and colleagues at the University of Plymouth, we've uncovered compelling evidence that challenges this notion—imagery skills, even in those with severe deficits, can be substantially improved through targeted training.

In the world of elite sports, the ability to vividly imagine successful performances has long been hailed as a game-changer (Simonsmeier et al., 2020). When engaging in mental rehearsal, athletes can gain a performance edge, reinforcing muscle memory and strategic decision-making before ever setting foot on the field. But for those grappling with conditions like aphantasia—a lack of visual imagination—this powerful tool has remained frustratingly out of reach. That's where our research began.

Joel, a semi-professional soccer player, was among the 27 athletes identified as having low imagery........

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