Internal and external PETTLEP imagery training effects on three-point shooting performance in adolescent basketball players

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. Motor imagery is widely used to enhance sport performance. Internal and external PETTLEP imagery perspectives are commonly applied to improve the execution of sport-specific skills, including basketball shooting. Despite the use of these imagery approaches in athletic training, their relative effectiveness in enhancing three-point shooting performance remains a matter of practical interest. This study examined the effects of Internal PETTLEP Imagery Training and External PETTLEP Imagery Training on three-point shooting performance in adolescent basketball players.

Materials and Methods. Ninety male basketball players aged 15–18 years were randomly assigned to an Internal PETTLEP Imagery Group (n = 30), an External PETTLEP Imagery Group (n = 30), or an Active Control Group (n = 30). Participants completed a 12-week intervention with three supervised sessions per week. Three-point shooting performance was assessed at pre-test, post-test, and a two-week retention test.

Results. Both imagery groups improved from pre-test to post-test and maintained higher shooting scores at retention than the Active Control Group. Significant effects were observed for Time, F(2, 172) = 18.42, p < .001, η²p = .18; Group, F(2, 86) = 5.67, p = .005, η²p = .12; and the Group × Time interaction, F(4, 172) = 9.83, p < .001, η²p = .19. Imagery ability was associated with shooting performance (p = .009), and self-confidence moderated the relationship between intervention condition and shooting performance (β = 0.52, p = .015).

Conclusions. Internal and external PETTLEP imagery were associated with improvements in three-point shooting performance and retention in adolescent basketball players. Imagery ability and self-confidence should be considered when implementing imagery-based training interventions.