Visualization is a powerful method used by global sports superstars to programme their minds for success.

It has been proven by such celebrated individuals as the great Maxwell Maltz that if an individual can use the body's psycho-cybernetic system to its full potential, then they will achieve things that others felt was impossible.

Our minds require a target in order to operate at maximum capacity.

From a basketball perspective, many players who are getting ready to shoot the ball are allowing thoughts of self doubt enter there mind. Thoughts like 'I hope I don't leave it short', 'miss it' etc.

If these are thoughts you are allowing to enter your mind, then you are in effect programming your mind for failure.

Most often the last thought you permit to occupy your mind, is what is going to happen to the ball.

I play a lot of Golf and I can tell you no where is the effect of the mind more evident than on the Golf course. If you play remember when you are faced with a shot over a lake or with a tree in front of you? If you feared hitting the tree or ending in the lake, that is what usually happens.

Basketball is no different. Sure you won't lose your ball in the lake or have the fear of the ball ricocheting off the tree and hitting your face, but you will still miss the target.

If you are a serious basketball enthusiast and you have a real hunger for improvement, then the following tips will help you no end.

Tip #1 Visualize your shot to improve your distance control.

An essential element in shooting hoops is to apply the correct force behind the shot such that the ball will fall through the net as opposed to falling short and flying beyond the back board.

A great drill in practice is to shoot the ball with your eyes closed. This will align your mental assets on your side and your shooting distance control will become far more accurate.

So go through the process of setting up as normal, use your usual technique, shoot the ball and then after releasing the ball open your eyes and enjoy seeing your ball fall through the basket.

This will be frustrating initially but with practice the results will shock you. Its like athletes who run with tires strapped to their waists, they make training more difficult. Then when you remove the 'tire' (shoot with opened eyes) it suddenly appears so much easier.

Tip #2 Develop a pre-shot routine This may sound like golf lingo to you but sports psychologists agree that it is an essential ingredient for success in every sport.

By pre-shot routine I mean in the moments right before you shoot the ball, you should perform a consistent sequence of events.

For example you might dribble from the left hand to the other, bounce the ball 3 times and then shoot.

It is essential that you take this exact routine and apply it consistently whether in practice or tournament play. This settles your mind, makes you feel in control and reduces pressure because if you always use the same routine, your mind will treat every shot the same and thus your technique will not be stressed under the pressure of tournament play.

Tips #3 Mentally visualize shooting hoops in your spare time.

A famous study was conducted by the University of Chicago many years ago with basketball players to prove the power of visualization. It consisted of three basketball teams.

Team 1 were instructed to go to the gym every day for one hour and practice throwing free throws. Team 2 spent an hour in the gym every day, followed by a visualization period whereby they envisaged themselves successfully shooting hoops. No physical practice was allowed. Team 3 were instructed to play no basketball whatsoever neither mentally or physically for the month.

When the month had passed, the three groups were assessed to determine if their shooting had been affected.

The team who had neither mental nor physical practice had disimproved. The team who engaged in just physical practice had a 24% improvement rate. Amazingly the team who had only visualized themselves throwing successful free throws had improved by 23%.

This study proves that you maximize your success by visualizing your free throws at every available opportunity. It is great way to maximize the results of physical practice.

So to conclude, never rule out the power of your mind. If you think negatively or with doubt you use you must powerful resource against yourself. Think positive and visualize and it will bring you along way to success.