Which practice method is suggested for beginners to improve their performance through mental rehearsal?

Combining mental and physical practice is suggested for beginners to improve their performance through mental rehearsal because it allows for a comprehensive approach to skill acquisition. Mental rehearsal engages the athlete’s imagination, enabling them to visualize their movements and strategies without physically executing them. This technique helps in developing motor skills, enhancing cognitive understanding, and boosting confidence.

When beginners combine mental rehearsal with physical practice, they not only reinforce the physical actions but also allow their minds to familiarize and strategize about various scenarios they might encounter during actual play. This dual approach leads to deeper learning and better retention of skills, ultimately resulting in improved performance.

Utilizing only physical practice would limit the cognitive aspect crucial for understanding and refining one’s skills, while mental rehearsal alone could be less effective without the kinesthetic feedback and integration that comes from physical practice. Observing advanced players could provide valuable insights, but it lacks the direct engagement with the skills that combining both practices provides.