This article describes the connections between the use of types of mental imagery by athletes and the level of their imagination. Basing on the model of imagery use proposed by K.Martin, S. Moritz and C.Hall the authors used a Russian version of "The Sport Imagery Questionnaire" (SIQ) with soccer players 8, 10 and 14 years old. The data shows that subjects with a higher level of imagination are more inclined to use mental imagery in their practice; the age differences in types of imagery usage are shown.