Performance development - Physical factorsReaction training

The influence of physical factors can be positive or negative. The approaches used to develop performance are specific to the factor and the activity.

Part ofPhysical EducationFactors impacting on performance

Reaction training

Approach: Reaction drills

A squash player would train to reduce the time it took to react to a fast cross-court ‘boast’. Having an assistant play the ball to the wall for the player to return accurately would be stage one. As soon as they had played the ball, a second assistant would send a second ball into play. This forces quick reactions and means the performer has to move quickly to play both balls.

Applying the principles of SPORT to reaction time training

ApproachSpecificityProgressionOverloadReversibilityTedium
Reaction time drillsBuild a circuit of drills where the types of quick reactions required in the performance are developedIncrease the demand of training to force reaction time to keep improvingIncrease the number of things the performer is required to react to, reduce the time available for the reactionBe aware that if training stops for any reason, the training ‘load’ must be reduced when training is restarted.Change place/time of training, team up with someone else to train with
ApproachReaction time drills
SpecificityBuild a circuit of drills where the types of quick reactions required in the performance are developed
ProgressionIncrease the demand of training to force reaction time to keep improving
OverloadIncrease the number of things the performer is required to react to, reduce the time available for the reaction
ReversibilityBe aware that if training stops for any reason, the training ‘load’ must be reduced when training is restarted.
TediumChange place/time of training, team up with someone else to train with

Question

How might adding a second feeder improve reaction times?

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