In sport, reaction time is a talent that is often unrecognized. Usually, speed in sports refers to maximum speed. Regardless, in most cases, that is not the most useful attribute of speed.
The reason is that it takes relatively long to reach the top speed. Rather, most coaches depend on fast reaction times, agility, and accelerations.
This post is about reaction time in sports and why trainers, coaches, and team managers value it. Also, you will get to know why reaction time is essential for active individuals and athletes alike.
What is reaction time in sports?
Reaction time refers to the time between an external trigger and your reaction to it. The best example is hearing a starting pistol then dashing to the finish line. Such situations are common in court-based sports where athletes have to quickly adjust to changing situations.
Coaches and trainers of such athletes help improve your average reaction time through training. Reaction time depends on three main factors: perception, processing, and response.
In sports, the stimulus can be visual, tactile, or auditory depending on the activity. After perceiving the signal, the brain quickly processes the details and responds by sending a message to the right muscles.
Thus, your reaction time depends on the three components working in tandem. Often, fast reaction time is linked to good reflexes. If one of the components is hindered, it increases the reaction time.
Types of reaction time
In sports, reaction time can be categorized as either simple or complex. Simple reaction time denotes reaction to one stimulus and is normally very quick because there is only one response to the stimulus. A good example is the starting pistol in the 100m sprint.
Complex reaction time is also known as compound or choice reaction time. It refers to the time it takes to respond to the right stimulus in the best way possible. Since the brain gets a lot of information from the environment, it usually takes longer to process.
A soccer player trying to react to the ball movement and other players on the pitch is an example of choice reaction time.
How to train for faster reaction time?
Although each athlete is unique, some training methods yield better results. Most coaches rely on brain training or cognitive training for consistent improvement of reaction time among athletes.
The process entails using specific training methods that focus on improving the neural network in the brain. This way, it helps the brain create a stronger and healthier connection for faster responses with little mental effort.
The approach helps trainers improve reaction time, attention, and memory among athletes. It is all possible because of brain plasticity, which refers to the ability of the brain to adapt depending on environmental needs.
Cognitive ability and reaction time are strongly correlated, trainers must embrace accordingly. The most effective training occurs when a trainer conditions an athlete to act reflexively depending on the stimulus.
It should be within sports-specific contexts. Training to improve reaction time is hard and demands constant training. Besides, the reaction time training sessions have to be short since they require full attention and focus.
Often reaction time drills pay attention to quick decision-making in game situations. As a coach, you need to train players standing or sitting in various athletic positions to accelerate once you blow the whistle.
Importance of reaction time in sports
The benefits of fast reaction time cut across the general wellness and athletic performance. It is especially true among the older population where low reaction time results in slipping or falling, which causes debilitating injuries.
In sports, the reaction time can determine if you will lose or win. For instance, boxers must be able to avoid fast punches while at the same time trying to find the perfect time to strike.
The importance of reaction time varies depending on the sport. However, the ability to react to an opponent’s moves or adapt can establish if you will win or lose.
For instance, in badminton, world-class players can smash the shuttlecock at 418kmh/253.33mph. Also, the average serve in tennis is approximately 185kmh/115mph. So, to stay ahead of the competition, players must react incredibly fast.
When a player has little space, good reaction time becomes an essential skill. In a way, faster decision-making allows players to slow the game and maintain balance in some situations.
Also, faster reaction time helps a player read the body language of an opponent to make the right move. In addition, reaction time is one of the most important skills a goalkeeper can have.
Mental and environmental factors affecting reaction time
There are various mental and environmental factors that influence reaction time in sports besides biology. These include personal experience, environmental distractions, some cognitive abilities, alertness and tiredness, and the intensity of the stimulus.
The complexity of the stimulus is a factor affecting the reaction time. Simple reactions do not demand the same mental power as complex reactions. Also, the perception mechanism affects how fast one can respond.
In sports, alertness and fatigue are strongly linked to reaction times. For fast reaction time in athletics, you must be mentally ready, laser-focused, and well-rested.
Anticipation and experience ensure you are technically and tactically ready. This means relying on the skills and experience learned to know when the stimulus may happen.
Also, cognitive abilities like higher IQ are associated with fast reaction time. Besides, distraction plays a role in reaction time in elite sports. Some background noises can interfere with the thought process and stop reaction times.
So, it is important for coaches to train athletes how to mentally phase out unnecessary distractions.
Conclusion
Fast reaction time is essential for general wellness and athletic performance. Having the ability to quickly adjust to changing circumstances like slipping can have a huge impact on your health.
It is especially true for athletic performance. Quick reaction time can be very beneficial in sports that demand quick thinking and short spurts in competition. These include court-based sports, motorsports, field sports, and track sports. So, including reaction time exercises is a good idea for coaches training athletes.
