THE PETTLEP MODEL

Components: Physical, Environment, Task, Time, Learning, Emotion, Perspective.

To maximize the effectiveness of imagery, the PETTLEP model, an acronym that guides the creation of interventions based on functional equivalence between simulation and execution, is used.

The components are: Physical (feel the body and equipment), Environment (recreate the competition venue), Task (focus on the specific demands of the activity), Time (perform at actual speed), Learning (adapt the imagery to the current skill level), Emotion (include associated feelings) and Perspective (internal or external).

Applying this model to a boxer, the intervention would be: he must wear his gloves and boots (Physical); visualize the ring, lights and crowd noise (Environment); review specific punch combinations (Task); imagine the movements at actual fighting speed, not in slow motion (Time); adjust the visualized technique as he improves his skills (Learning); feel the adrenaline and determination to win (Emotion); and see himself from inside his body hitting the opponent (Perspective).

This structure ensures that the simulation is as functionally equivalent to reality as possible.

How to design interventions based on this model

Designing visualization programs under the PETTLEP framework requires detailed customization.

It is not enough to tell the athlete to "close his eyes and imagine". A scenario must be constructed that evolves with the athlete.

For example, the Learning component dictates that if an athlete acquires a new technique, the visualization must be updated immediately to reflect that improvement, avoiding reinforcing old or obsolete patterns.

Suppose we work with a volleyball player who is learning a new type of serve.

At first, her visualization (Task and Learning component) will focus on the basic mechanics of the stroke.

As she masters the technique, the PETTLEP intervention will evolve to include third set fatigue (Physical/Emotion) and scoreboard pressure (Environment), ensuring that the mental practice remains challenging and relevant to her current level of proficiency.

Summary

The PETTLEP model guides the design of interventions based on functional equivalence. It integrates seven key components: physical, environment, task, time, learning, emotion, and perspective, to ensure a realistic simulation.

To maximize effectiveness, mental practice must replicate competitive conditions. This involves feeling the equipment, visualizing at real speed and evoking the specific emotions associated with performance under pressure.

Interventions should be dynamic and evolve along with the athlete. The learning component dictates that visualization must be constantly updated to reflect technical improvements and avoid reinforcing obsolete patterns.