Visualizing Victory: Exploring the Influence of Imagery Training on Shooting Precision in Kuching Pétanque Novices

Visualizing Victory: Exploring the Influence of Imagery Training on Shooting Precision in Kuching Pétanque Novices

Mohd. Amirul Abdillah¹, Suhardi Kram¹, Piermauro Catarinella², Cyndra Robert Budull¹, Noreriani Sabturani¹, Abdul Hafiz Abdul Khalid³

¹Faculty of Sports Science and Recreation, Universiti Teknologi MARA Kampus Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia

²Academy of Language Studies, UiTM Shah Alam, Malaysia

³Department of Student Affairs, Universiti Teknologi MARA Kampus Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2024.8080311

Received: 14 August 2024; Accepted: 21 August 2024; Published: 21 September 2024

ABSTRACT

This study aims to examine the impact of imagery training on shooting accuracy, highlighting the variability in shooting proficiency among players. Employing a True Experimental Design, specifically a Pre-test Post-test Randomized Group Design, 24 participants were randomly assigned to two groups following the pre-test assessment. The intervention group consisted of 12 participants who underwent imagery training, while the remaining 12 participants formed the control group. The sample comprised pétanque players in the vicinity of Kuching, selected through purposive sampling. Data collection spanned four weeks of training. Findings indicate a significant enhancement in pétanque shooting performance attributable to imagery training. This research offers practical benefits to players, facilitating the refinement and augmentation of their shooting abilities in pétanque through the utilization of imagery scripts.

Keywords: Pétanque; Shooting Accuracy; Imagery Script

INTRODUCTION

Pétanque gained official recognition as a sport in Malaysia in 1990, endorsed by Dato’ Seri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak. It stands out as a distinctive game wherein participants aim to position their boules close to the jack while strategically maneuvering to keep opponents’ boules at bay (Rony et al., 2021). Played on a rocky surface, the sport encompasses various events including singles, doubles, triples, triple mix, and precision shooting. Among these, shooting techniques hold particular significance, as players must skillfully direct their boules towards opponents’ boules to maintain distance from the jack (Phytanza et al., 2022). This skill becomes crucial in every match scenario, especially during precision shooting.

Subsequently, the researcher intends to leverage imagery scripting to enhance player performance in shooting. Imagery scripting involves crafting detailed mental scenarios tailored towards achieving specific outcomes, ensuring players can replicate successful techniques consistently (Cooley et al., 2013). Given the repetitive nature of actions in a pétanque match, this technique aids players in ingraining and replicating effective techniques across various game situations.

Existing literature underscores the significant impact of imagery training on player performance, particularly in terms of shooting accuracy. These findings underscore the potential of imagery training to notably enhance players’ performance levels.

METHODOLOGY

The methodology employed in this research comprises a True Experimental Design utilizing a Pre-test Post-test Randomized Group Design. Following the initial pre-test assessment, subjects were randomly allocated into two groups. The research duration extended over a 4-week period of training. A total of 24 subjects participated, all undergoing the pre-test evaluation. Subsequently, they were divided into two groups: 12 subjects in the control group and 12 subjects in the intervention group. Both groups underwent a 4-week training regimen focusing on shooting techniques. However, only the intervention group received additional training utilizing an imagery script.

PRECISION SHOOTING

The precision shooting assessment measures shooting accuracy, with participants tasked with throwing the boule four times from distances of 6, 7, 8, and 9 meters. Points are allocated as follows: 0 points for missing the target entirely, 1 point for reaching the target but not hitting the opponent’s boule, 3 points for displacing the opponent’s boule, and 5 points for landing the boule nearest to the jack. Following each throw, participants progress to the subsequent distance.

Points are only awarded for successful shots and infractions such as lifting one’s feet during the test result in penalties. The shooting lane layout is illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Shooting lane.

In this scoring system, each throw is meticulously recorded individually. Subsequently, following the test, scores are aggregated, taking into account the total number of successful shots. Thus, for each point, there are four distinct shooting results.

Table 1: Shooting Result

According to Table 1, players receive points for each successful attempt they make. For instance, if a player manages to hit the target boule but their own boule also exits the circle, they will still be awarded 3 points. To maximize their score, players must strive to perform optimally with each attempt at varying distances of 6, 7, 8, and 9 meters.

Table 2: Shooting Accuracy Norms

Referring to Table 2, the established norms serve as criteria for assessing the players’ proficiency levels upon completing all attempts. These levels are categorized as low, moderate, and high. For instance, achieving a total of 40 points designates a player as high-level, indicative of their superior performance. These norms serve as a valuable tool for researchers to pinpoint players with subpar accuracy in their pétanque shooting skills, enabling targeted interventions and support.

Imagery Script

Members of the intervention group will create personalized scripts outlining their approach to executing shooting skills, recognizing the individual nuances and preferences inherent in each player’s technique. Subsequently, these scripts will be recited aloud 30 minutes prior to the commencement of their training session. An illustrative example of an imagery script is provided below:

Shooting Imagery: To begin, I will assess the distance and surface conditions, allowing me to determine the most suitable throwing technique. Next, I will step into the circle, ensuring both feet are firmly planted. Taking a deliberate pause, I will spend 5 seconds breathing slowly, calming my mind. Proceeding, I will execute a pre-throw motion to gauge the necessary power required. Finally, I will conduct a final check to confirm the correct grip on the boule. With a fluid motion, I will gently and confidently swing my arms back, following through towards the target boule without hesitation.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Analysis of the data in this study was conducted utilizing Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 software. Descriptive statistics (M ± SD) were employed to elucidate the variables within the dataset, while inferential statistics were addressed through the utilization of the Independent Samples T-Test. The significance level was established at p < 0.05.

Results

Table 3: Descriptive Statistics for Control Group and Intervention Group Score

Table 3 illustrates the descriptive statistics of scores for both the control and intervention groups, with each group comprising 12 novice players from Kuching Pétanque (n=12). In the control group, the mean and standard deviation for the pre-test were 22.67 (pre-test) and ±2.96 (pre-test), respectively, while for the post-test, they were 23.25 (post-test) and ±2.56 (post-test), respectively. Regarding the intervention group, the mean and standard deviation for the pre-test were 23.25 (pre-test) and ±3.98 (pre-test), respectively, and for the post-test, they were 26.41 (post-test) and ±3.91 (post-test), respectively. Both the control and intervention groups demonstrated moderate levels based on the mean scores.

Table 4: Normality Test

Table 4 displays the results of the Shapiro-Wilk test conducted to assess the normality of shooting accuracy scores in both the intervention and control groups during the pre-test and post-test phases. A non-significant outcome in the Shapiro-Wilk Normality test signifies normality. The Shapiro-Wilk test revealed significant normality in the pre-test for the intervention group, W(12) = 0.97, p = 0.97 (p > 0.05), as well as the control group, W(12) = 0.90, p = 0.15 (p > 0.05). Similarly, the Shapiro-Wilk test indicated significant normality in the post-test for the intervention group, W(12) = 0.97, p = 0.97 (p > 0.05), and the control group, W(12) = 0.89, p = 0.13 (p > 0.05). These results suggest that the data distribution was significantly normal for both the intervention and control groups during both the pre-test and post-test phases. Consequently, a parametric test (Independent Samples T-test) was employed to compare the intervention group (script imagery and practice) with the control group in pétanque shooting accuracy.

Table 5: Comparison Between Imagery and Non-imagery in Shooting Accuracy

An independent samples T-test was conducted to evaluate the impact of imagery training (script imagery and practice) on shooting accuracy between the control and intervention groups among novice players. As depicted in Table 5, a statistically significant difference was observed between the intervention group (M = 26.41, SD = 3.91) and the control group in the post-test (M = 23.33, SD = 2.60), t(11) = 2.45, p < 0.033 (two-tailed). Thus, the null hypothesis of this study was rejected. These findings suggest that script imagery and practice influenced pétanque shooting accuracy.

Discussion

The findings of this study underscore the significant impact of imagery training on shooting accuracy among novice players in Kuching Pétanque. The rejection of the null hypothesis indicates a notable effect of the intervention on the players. The efficacy of this intervention can be attributed to the utilization of imagery scripts by the players, enabling them to mentally rehearse the actions required for execution. This assertion finds support in the work of Omar-Fauzee (2009), who emphasizes the pivotal role of imagery in athletes’ success. Hall (2001) further elucidates that athletes can recreate past actions and experiences through cognitive rehearsal, leveraging the information stored in their memories to construct clear mental images. For 4 weeks, the intervention group engaged in these activities, resulting in improved skills, particularly evident during the post-test. By employing imagery scripts, individuals can generate vivid mental representations, aligning their actions with the outlined details in the script (Cooley et al., 2013). Consequently, players can envision the precise execution of their actions by revisiting and mentally rehearsing the script.

While it may pose challenges to recall exact movements, imagery scripts prove invaluable. They assist athletes in executing correct actions by facilitating the recall of sensations and refinement of skills, thereby mitigating anxiety during performance (Yahya et al., 2016). This streamlined recollection of script content and visualization of correct action execution contributes to enhanced confidence, as emphasized by Filgueiras (2016), which subsequently positively influences motor skills and overall performance. This elucidates the observed improvement in players’ performance during the post-test.

Moreover, imagery constitutes a mental process wherein athletes visualize themselves preparing for tasks, aiming to enhance performance. Both deliberate and spontaneous recall processes contribute to imagery, wherein individuals perceive images or movements as mental representations without physically witnessing them. In this context, imagery enhances motor task performance (Guarnera et al., 2016).

CONCLUSION

In summary, this study investigated the efficacy of imagery scripts and precision shooting training on novice pétanque players in Kuching, comparing an intervention group to a control group. After a 4-week training period, significant disparities in shooting accuracy were observed between the group utilizing imagery scripts and the control group among the novice players in Kuching. The outcomes suggest that incorporating imagery scripts can enhance players’ performance in precision shooting, while the control group did not exhibit significant improvement in their shooting training. This underscores the potential benefits of imagery scripts, particularly for emerging players, particularly those under 21 years old. Moreover, the data suggests moderate improvement within the intervention group over the 4-week period, indicating the potential for further enhancement with extended training, possibly up to 6 weeks.

Several avenues for future research are suggested. Firstly, investigating the efficacy of imagery training among different populations, such as professional athletes or individuals with varying levels of experience, could elucidate its broader applicability. Secondly, expanding the age range of participants may offer insights into age-related responses to such training interventions, considering physiological and developmental factors. Additionally, the utilization of tools like the Movement Imagery Questionnaire-Revised (MIQ-R) could aid in assessing participants’ imagery capabilities, guiding the tailored application of imagery training for maximum effectiveness.

Overall, this study offers valuable insights for coaches and players seeking to integrate imagery into training regimens and lays the groundwork for further exploration in this domain, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and practice in sports psychology and training methodologies.

Ethical Approval

Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Ethics Committee of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), ensuring that all research procedures adhered to the ethical guidelines and standards set by the institution.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We wish to extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to all individuals who contributed to this research endeavor, with special acknowledgment to the participants who generously dedicated their time and effort to take part in our study. Their valuable involvement has been instrumental in the progression of our research. We have devoted considerable effort to this study with the aspiration that it may yield benefits for those with an interest in the subject matter or striving to elevate their shooting proficiency to excel as players.

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