If you want to challenge yourself even more, you can change the timing of each cue. Improving your sports-specific technique can also be useful in training your reaction time.

This is because once you have repeated the same movement over and over and again, it becomes second nature even in sudden situations — much like a reflex. Trail running is another often underutilized training method for improving your reaction time.

Its biggest benefit is that running on uneven terrain with branches, rocks, and elevation changes require you to constantly make small adjustments while you run. Therefore, it also needs a great deal of concentration and anticipation to maintain good balance and proper running technique.

Reaction balls are also great for training your reaction time, concentration, and hand-eye coordination simultaneously. They have an uneven surface, making them bounce unpredictably. There are also different sizes and shapes for throwing and kicking purposes.

Nowadays, more and more athletes are also turning to modern technology like reaction light training systems or strobe glasses to improve their reaction time.

Reaction light systems are used to improve speed and cognitive processing by using mountable LED lights that can be deactivated by touching them with your hands, feet, or other training equipment. These systems also often come with built-in training programs for different sports that can be controlled via a smartphone or tablet.

The most high-end versions even provide immediate feedback so you can track your progress with just a few clicks. Strobe glass technology works by flickering between clear and opaque, which removes some of the visual information your brain receives. Removing visual information makes it easier for the athlete to process information and focus on the task at hand.

Once these glasses are taken off, the brain should, in theory , be able to process information faster and more efficiently in sports-specific scenarios. This is because most video games require you to identify and select relevant visual information, followed by quick motor responses.

Interestingly, action video games like Call of Duty and Counter-Strike have proven to significantly improve cognitive abilities and even provide performance benefits in traditional sports. These include factors such as faster visual processing and quicker reaction times. Fast-paced video games also decrease the attentional blink ability to identify visual stimuli in quick succession , prevent attention capture of irrelevant distractions , as well as improve search efficiency.

Studies have also stated that fast-paced video games have a beneficial effect on a phenomenon known as the Simon Effect , which refers to the conflict in the attention system when a stimulus occurs further away. Video game training can help reduce these negative effects and decrease reaction time regardless of where the stimulus occurs.

Despite being useful for reaction time, concentration, and decision-making, newer studies have linked extensive gaming to impulsiveness and attention-deficit disorders. Another crucial thing to remember is that video games are no substitute for sports-specific training.

Physical activity and repetition are far more important when mastering the motor skills needed in any sport. As a result of reaction time training and cognitive exercises, your brain forms new neural pathways, makes relevant connections stronger and irrelevant connections weaker.

This effect, also known as neuroplasticity , is an essential part of thinking, learning new skills, and memory. Neuroplasticity can also be divided into two main types; structural neuroplasticity , which refers to the strength of connections between neurons nerve cells or synapses junctions between two nerve cells , and functional neuroplasticity , which describes permanent changes in synapses due to learning and development.

As a part of consistent training and cognitive exercises, the neurons in your brain become more wired together. This means that these neurons can relay information faster and more efficiently. In simple terms, the brain must constantly receive information to create a thicker web of nerve cells, weaken unused connections, and create new ones.

This results in learning , which perfectly illustrates how malleable and susceptible to change the brain is through mental and physical efforts.

Looking to have cat-like reflexes that take your performance to another level? Check out our sample drills and programs to take your reaction time training to another level. Weekly routine 1. Cone sprint training. Take 5 different color cones and draw numbers on them.

Place the cones symmetrically around the athlete. The center is the starting position. Tennis ball catch drill.

Draw numbers on tennis balls. As the athletes throw and catch the balls, they must first try to determine what number the ball is while it is in the air.

reaction ball drill. Cognitive exercises. This results in better memory and ability to focus, making everyday tasks easier to do. Therefore, some sports scientists believe that brain-boosting exercises can also improve reaction time.

yoga 35mins. Sit 5mins in a seated position and ground yourself. video games. Choose a fast-paced video game preferably action or something related to your sport.

Also, note that video games are not substitutes for physical activity and do not teach you the necessary motor skills for athletic performance. That is why WHO World Health Organization has stated that growing children should limit screen time as much as possible. Note that we are not responsible for any injuries that may occur during these drills or practices.

Always remember to train within your own limits and at the guidance of a professional instructor. Reaction time training is considered safe and effective for young athletes. It can also be included in a training program in various ways; brain exercises, physical exercises, or even video games.

Combining physical tasks with mentally challenging exercises can also break up some of the monotony of regular training. This also makes reaction time training a great addition to physical education classes.

Although video games have shown a positive correlation on reaction time and other brain functions, it is important to note that obsessive gaming can have seriously detrimental effects on your physical, mental, and social health. To prevent these negative effects, try to keep your screen time to a minimum, and stay physically active.

This is especially important for growing children not only for motor development but promoting a healthy lifestyle as well. Educating young athletes to be versatile in their training can also have long-lasting impacts on motivation and athletic progress.

Interestingly, there is even a clear correlation between grades and athletic ability. Teaching this could also lead to an increased desire for youngsters to keep educating themselves. According to most studies, your ability to detect a stimulus remains relatively similar throughout your adulthood, whereas the response time becomes gradually longer.

This is why reaction time naturally slows down at a rate of approximately 0. In fact, one aspect that all successful veteran athletes embody is their ability to adapt their play style to fit the needs of their game and position. So, even though you may not be as fast or strong as you used to be, you are still able to utilize the knowledge of the game to anticipate and predict upcoming situations — and stay lethal for years to come.

Smart and consistent training is essential if you want to progress and become an even stronger athlete. However, this is not the only thing you need to consider in order to succeed. In addition to training hard , you must also maintain a well-balanced diet and take care of your recovery.

Once these factors are in balance, you have a solid foundation to build your skills and performance. Show me. Stay informed about the latest in sports science and physical performance. Subscribe to our mailing list for the latest updates, posts, products and much more.

After graduating from the University of Jyväskylä in , Daniel worked nearly a decade within the world-renowned Finnish educational system as a physical education and health science teacher.

Since , Daniel has worked as a Lecturer at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. by Daniel Kiikka. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

We use cookies from third party services to offer you a better experience. When you visit any website, it may store or retrieve information through your browser, usually in the form of cookies.

Since we respect your right to privacy, you can choose not to permit data collection from certain types of services. However, not allowing these services may impact your experience and what we are able to offer you. September 11, In News , Fitness Components , Sports Science , Athletic Development 33 Minutes.

Reaction Time Training - The Right Way. By Daniel Kiikka. Introduction Basics of reaction time training and exercises Best methods to train reaction time Cognitive exercises for training reaction time Physical exercises for training reaction time Video games and reaction time Physiological effects of reaction time training Sample routines for improving reaction time Suitability for developing athletes and physical education Final thoughts Sources.

Introduction Reaction time is a skill that often goes overlooked in sports and athletic performance. Basics of reaction time training and exercises Reaction time training consists of exercises that train your brain to produce the correct response to the correct stimulus as quickly as possible.

Share this post. Reaction Time Training. Best methods to train reaction time The most effective reaction time training methods include different cognitive exercises , also known as brain exercises , and different physical training methods.

Cognitive exercises for training reaction time Although every athlete is different and exercises can produce different results, the most consistent way of improving your reaction time is cognitive training, also known as brain training.

Physiological effects of reaction time training As a result of reaction time training and cognitive exercises, your brain forms new neural pathways, makes relevant connections stronger and irrelevant connections weaker.

Reaction time is especially important in fast-paced sports like motorsports, eSports, boxing, badminton, etc. Sample routines for improving reaction time Looking to have cat-like reflexes that take your performance to another level?

Warmup Light min jog Active s stretches 2. Reaction ball drill Throw or kick the ball to the wall and try to catch it before it bounces twice.

Morning meditation 30mins 2. For more challenge, you can choose the correct signal from multiple signals to sprint from or run to different directions according to the stimulus. Sprinting from different positions can also be useful. Cone sprint training Take 5 different color cones and draw numbers on them.

When the coach yells a number or color, the athlete must sprint and touch the cone before returning back to the center.

For a bigger challenge, the coach can also yell a simple math problem. Tennis ball catch drill Draw numbers on tennis balls. Catch all 15 balls. Say which number you just caught without looking. For a bigger challenge, you can also yell the number before catching the ball or catch it with the weaker hand.

etc Jigsaw puzzles Learning to play music Learning a new language. Yoga 35mins 1. Roll your neck slowly. Deep, controlled breathing. Sun salutations A or B Repeat salutations for 15mins around times.

Move at your own pace. Seated stretches Lay on the ground and perform seated stretches, twists, and deep hip openers or chest openers.

Cool down Sit still or lie down. Relax with deep, controlled breathing. Slowly get up after 5mins. Video games Choose a fast-paced video game preferably action or something related to your sport. Try to limit your screen time to two hours per day.

Take a small break once an hour. Remember good posture. Never substitute sleep with video games. While video games can improve reaction time, they are no substitute for sports-specific physical training. Suitability for developing athletes and physical education Reaction time training is considered safe and effective for young athletes.

Final thoughts According to most studies, your ability to detect a stimulus remains relatively similar throughout your adulthood, whereas the response time becomes gradually longer. Did you learn anything new about reaction time training? Let us know in the comments!

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wikiHow Account. No account yet? Create an account. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Categories Sports and Fitness How to Improve Reaction Speed. Download Article Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE.

Tips and Warnings. Related Articles. Article Summary. Co-authored by Peter Fryer Last Updated: November 19, Fact Checked. Play video games. Get a game console and some action video games and play for 30 minutes a day. The gaming environment may also force you to get used to making quick decisions based on limited information.

Play brain games. There are a number of sites online that offer brain training. Then, see how long you can remember the numbers and write them back down correctly.

Practice making quick decisions. In your everyday life, try to consciously speed up your decision making. Repeating this process will also help you to get used to the stress associated with quick decisions and learn how to keep your cool under pressure, a good skill no matter how fast your reflexes get to be.

The timer in these games will force you to think faster in order to maintain a high score. Learn to speed read. This one almost feels like a game: time yourself as you read single pages to see how long it takes to make it through.

Then, see if you can cut down the seconds while still comprehending the material. Do this with a variety of types of reading to keep your mind flexible. You can also take a speed reading course online or at a local college. Do the same with other letters until you feel your speed increasing.

Chew something. Get a pack of gum and chew it when you know you need to be quick. Or, grab a handful of sunflower seeds. It has been suggested that chewing stimulates the muscles in your mouth and jaw, which then send additional blood and activity up to your brain.

Enjoy the burst of flavor, too! The benefits of this step are often not viewable to the naked eye and are measured in milliseconds of difference. However, for athletes in particular, shaving down even small amounts of time can have a positive effect.

Recognize the importance of speed. As coaches always say: get your head in the game! Sit and think about how you need to be fast and accurate in your upcoming task. It helps to visualize the task at hand before you begin and mentally go through all of the preparations that you have done. Approaching a task in a calm, precise manner can help you to harness your stress nerves and put them to good use.

Minimize distractions. If you are working on something that requires concentration and speed, try to eliminate all other things that might grab your attention.

You can also combine this with other speed exercises too. For example, if you are playing a video game, minimize the distractions in your room so that you can focus.

Perform eye exercises. To get them up to speed, choose two similar objects and place one nearby and another at a distance. Rotate between the two, trying to read each of them. You can also ask your eye doctor for other exercises.

Test your reaction speed by having a friend drop a card. Ask a friend to hold it vertically by the top. Line up your fingers with the bottom edge of the card and ask your friend to drop the card without warning. When the card is dropped, grab the card with your fingers as quickly as you can.

If you grab the card near the bottom, you likely have good reaction speed. If you grab the card near the top or miss it completely, you may have poor reaction speed. Try ball drills. If you are practicing for a sport, this is a great way to work your athletic skills and reflexes at the same time.

Play a game of catch, kick around a soccer ball, or practice another sport-related drill. You could also get creative and use the ball for a different sport. Add more partners to make for an extra challenge. For example, if you are a baseball catcher, have your partner throw the ball behind you and then see how fast you can turn around and retrieve it.

Give juggling a try. The balls flying through the air forces you to think and act quickly to catch them. Practicing regularly can decrease your response time and increase your speed, and give you a great party trick too. This small, six-sided ball will move in unpredictable ways when bounced or thrown.

Try agility drills. Place a few cones at a distance apart and run between them as fast as you can. Switch up the position of the cones or run in a different way to mix things up.

If you are playing a sport, ask your coach to suggest some specific agility drills that you can do. For example, try weaving through the spaces between each cone on your first run. In your second run, weave through every other space.

Work on balance exercises. Improving your balance can help to improve your reflexes. Try sitting on a yoga ball with just one foot on the floor, standing on one leg and hopping to the other leg, or passing a ball from hand to hand while standing on one leg.

These exercises will all strengthen your balancing abilities. You can also try balancing things on your head or your fingertip. This will train you to continuously adjust your balance so that you don't drop the item.

To stay mentally and physically quick, you must take care of yourself. Exercise at least 3 times a week, or more if possible. Exercise increases blood flow to your entire body, including your brain. Your body will thank you with speedier reaction times and plenty of endorphins.

Start with a 15 to minute walk, then move on to jogging or swimming. Eat healthy, balanced, and consistent meals. Eating right gives your body the fuel needed to perform at its best. Get enough sleep.

Make sure to get at least 8 hours of good, solid, undisturbed sleep a night. This will allow you to stay alert for longer periods. Typically, this will be between 7 and 9 hours.

Don't get too much sleep either. If you wake up early, then go and start your day. Sleeping in can make your body and mind sluggish. Limit your consumption of caffeine. It is very tempting to down a cup of coffee whenever you need speed and focus on a task. Be careful, though, because this one can backfire!

Sports and physical fitness improves your reaction time by getting your body in shape and sharpening your mind. Team ball sports are especially effective because although they have a strict set of game rules, there are a lot of variables that a player has to deal with in real-time.

You have to be super aware of your teammates and surroundings, and react quickly and efficiently when an opportunity arises. Meditation helps sharpen the senses, calm the mind and relax the muscles. Being tense and having stiff muscles slows reactions, whereas deep breathing and a relaxed yet alert disposition will make you react quicker.

Meditation and mindfulness help cultivate this relaxed yet alert state, and can clear your head to facilitate fast, sharp reactions, thus shortening your reaction time. Try guiding a relaxing and focusing meditation right before your athletes compete or step on the field. Gaming entails a lot of cognitive processing: focus, recognition, decision making and quick reactions.

Contemporary action video games require players to rapidly process sensory information, make decisions and carry out quick responses. Esports focus directly on the reactions needed in real-life sports games as they simulate multiple or single player sports games.

Some methods of reaction training, such as BlazePod, utilize the gamification element to incentivize players to work harder. Being sleep deprived or dehydrated can make you sluggish, and have a huge effect on reflexes and reaction time. The BlazePod platform is a game-changer for those looking to take their workouts to the next level in It can be a real challenge to get kids to put down their screens and do something active these days.

Between vid On a soccer field, throughout 90 minutes or more, you need to stay sharp, be ready for the task at hand, switche BlazePod is a smart reaction training platform.

Some medications can slow down your response time and reflexes. Or, you may even experience dizziness or blurred vision. If you need a high reaction speed, make sure to talk to your pharmacist or your doctor about how your medications might impact your abilities.

This is an especially important step to follow if you are about to drive a motor vehicle. By working on your mental and physical agility, you can still improve your reflexes.

Peter Fryer Sports Coach. Peter Fryer. Tennis movement is all about the first few steps and being as explosive as possible to get to the ball.

This requires a good ready position. Rest on the balls of your feet, not your heels, for every ball, and get back into the ready position once your shot is complete. This sets you up to make fast movements and change direction very quickly.

You can improve your footwork using ladder drills. If you don't have a ladder, you can create one. Use empty bottles or any household item that you can get your hands on. Work on fast movement of the legs, but remember to keep your head up.

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Claim Your Gift If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Support wikiHow Yes No. Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2. Michele Dolan Certified Fitness Trainer. Michele Dolan. Listening to sounds may help you improve your reaction speed if you perform some kind of movement or activity when you hear a specific sound.

For instance, kick or throw a ball up against a wall and catch it every time you hear a certain sound, or snap your fingers when you hear a car horn, or jump in the air or click your heels when you hear a bird chirp. Listening by itself may improve your concentration and focus, but not your reactions.

Not Helpful 12 Helpful You can practice ball games, such as tennis. Or, you could get a partner and pass a ball between the two of you, increasing or decreasing speed and experimenting with new angles.

If you are currently involved in a sport, ask your coach for any tips as well. Make sure to take care of your body by eating right, working out, and sleeping enough, too. Not Helpful 17 Helpful Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. A brief period of exposure to bright light may also help to increase reaction speed.

Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. You Might Also Like. How to. More References 8. Tennis Coach. Expert Interview. About This Article. Co-authored by:. Co-authors: Updated: November 19, Categories: Sports and Fitness.

Article Summary X To improve physical reaction time, try practicing ball drills, agility drills, and other sport-related drills. In other languages Español: mejorar la rapidez de reacción. Italiano: Migliorare il Tempo di Reazione.

Русский: улучшить скорость своей реакции. Português: Aumentar a Velocidade de Reação. Français: améliorer son temps de réaction.

Bahasa Indonesia: Meningkatkan Kecepatan Reaksi. Nederlands: Je reactiesnelheid verbeteren. العربية: تحسين سرعة رد فعلك. 中文: 提高反应速度. ไทย: เพิ่มความเร็วในการตอบสนอง. हिन्दी: प्रतिक्रिया की गति Reaction Speed में सुधार करें. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read , times.

Reader Success Stories. Anonymous Sep 5, At first I didn't know what they meant, but now I see that it works and the eye exercises do to. More reader stories Hide reader stories. Did this article help you? Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.

Patrick Dang Apr 11, Rated this article:. Anonymous Aug 14, Share yours! Do exercises that enhance your reflexes : As part of your gaming routine, incorporating exercises that improve your reflexes can be beneficial for improving reaction time.

Examples include throwing and catching a tennis ball against a wall, practicing ball drop drills, and playing other faster-paced games that require hand-eye coordination such as table tennis. Train your eyes to track fast-moving objects : Training your eyes to track fast-moving objects can help improve your reaction time.

Playing fast-paced video games or using eye-tracking exercises for gaming or reading can help strengthen the eye muscles and lead to a performance boost. Reduce stress and anxiety levels : Studies show that high levels of stress and anxiety can slow down your reaction time.

To lower stress, gamers should use relaxation techniques, such as box breathing such as a deep inhale to a four count, followed by a long exhale for four or meditation. These relaxation techniques can be done before or while they play. Get enough sleep and rest : Research has shown that getting enough sleep is essential for all types of cognitive function, including reaction time.

Current research shows adults should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night—gamers under 18 should get at least eight—and avoid caffeine or stimulating activities at least six hours before bedtime. Stay focused and alert during gaming sessions : Staying focused and alert during gaming sessions is essential for improving reaction time.

Avoiding distractions, such as checking your phone or talking to friends, keeps your mental resources focused on the task at hand, which speeds up your reaction time. Alternatively, you could try playing those games on harder modes or against harder competition online and specifically focus on speed while you practice.

Practice with reaction time training tools : There are dozens of reaction time games and apps available online—some are free while others cost money—that can be helpful for improving your reaction speed.

Paid versions of these tools often come with a tracker so you can see how much progress you make and identify areas for improvement. Use peripherals and equipment that enhance reaction time : Switching to high-performance equipment that requires faster reaction times, such as a high-speed monitor or a gaming mouse, can help enhance your reaction time.

This equipment also offers the benefit of more precise controls. Hand warmers, which keep blood circulating in the hands, are also a popular way to maintain or improve hand-eye coordination and speed. Increasing or even maintaining your reaction time in gaming could also be a matter of eradicating bad gaming habits or simply avoiding common mistakes.

These include factors such as faster visual processing and quicker reaction times. Fast-paced video games also decrease the attentional blink ability to identify visual stimuli in quick succession , prevent attention capture of irrelevant distractions , as well as improve search efficiency.

Studies have also stated that fast-paced video games have a beneficial effect on a phenomenon known as the Simon Effect , which refers to the conflict in the attention system when a stimulus occurs further away.

Video game training can help reduce these negative effects and decrease reaction time regardless of where the stimulus occurs. Despite being useful for reaction time, concentration, and decision-making, newer studies have linked extensive gaming to impulsiveness and attention-deficit disorders.

Another crucial thing to remember is that video games are no substitute for sports-specific training. Physical activity and repetition are far more important when mastering the motor skills needed in any sport.

As a result of reaction time training and cognitive exercises, your brain forms new neural pathways, makes relevant connections stronger and irrelevant connections weaker. This effect, also known as neuroplasticity , is an essential part of thinking, learning new skills, and memory. Neuroplasticity can also be divided into two main types; structural neuroplasticity , which refers to the strength of connections between neurons nerve cells or synapses junctions between two nerve cells , and functional neuroplasticity , which describes permanent changes in synapses due to learning and development.

As a part of consistent training and cognitive exercises, the neurons in your brain become more wired together. This means that these neurons can relay information faster and more efficiently.

In simple terms, the brain must constantly receive information to create a thicker web of nerve cells, weaken unused connections, and create new ones. This results in learning , which perfectly illustrates how malleable and susceptible to change the brain is through mental and physical efforts.

Looking to have cat-like reflexes that take your performance to another level? Check out our sample drills and programs to take your reaction time training to another level. Weekly routine 1. Cone sprint training.

Take 5 different color cones and draw numbers on them. Place the cones symmetrically around the athlete. The center is the starting position. Tennis ball catch drill. Draw numbers on tennis balls. As the athletes throw and catch the balls, they must first try to determine what number the ball is while it is in the air.

reaction ball drill. Cognitive exercises. This results in better memory and ability to focus, making everyday tasks easier to do. Therefore, some sports scientists believe that brain-boosting exercises can also improve reaction time. yoga 35mins.

Sit 5mins in a seated position and ground yourself. video games. Choose a fast-paced video game preferably action or something related to your sport. Also, note that video games are not substitutes for physical activity and do not teach you the necessary motor skills for athletic performance.

That is why WHO World Health Organization has stated that growing children should limit screen time as much as possible. Note that we are not responsible for any injuries that may occur during these drills or practices.

Always remember to train within your own limits and at the guidance of a professional instructor. Reaction time training is considered safe and effective for young athletes.

It can also be included in a training program in various ways; brain exercises, physical exercises, or even video games. Combining physical tasks with mentally challenging exercises can also break up some of the monotony of regular training. This also makes reaction time training a great addition to physical education classes.

Although video games have shown a positive correlation on reaction time and other brain functions, it is important to note that obsessive gaming can have seriously detrimental effects on your physical, mental, and social health.

To prevent these negative effects, try to keep your screen time to a minimum, and stay physically active. This is especially important for growing children not only for motor development but promoting a healthy lifestyle as well.

Educating young athletes to be versatile in their training can also have long-lasting impacts on motivation and athletic progress. Interestingly, there is even a clear correlation between grades and athletic ability. Teaching this could also lead to an increased desire for youngsters to keep educating themselves.

According to most studies, your ability to detect a stimulus remains relatively similar throughout your adulthood, whereas the response time becomes gradually longer.

This is why reaction time naturally slows down at a rate of approximately 0. In fact, one aspect that all successful veteran athletes embody is their ability to adapt their play style to fit the needs of their game and position.

So, even though you may not be as fast or strong as you used to be, you are still able to utilize the knowledge of the game to anticipate and predict upcoming situations — and stay lethal for years to come.

Smart and consistent training is essential if you want to progress and become an even stronger athlete. However, this is not the only thing you need to consider in order to succeed. In addition to training hard , you must also maintain a well-balanced diet and take care of your recovery.

Once these factors are in balance, you have a solid foundation to build your skills and performance. Show me. Stay informed about the latest in sports science and physical performance.

Subscribe to our mailing list for the latest updates, posts, products and much more. After graduating from the University of Jyväskylä in , Daniel worked nearly a decade within the world-renowned Finnish educational system as a physical education and health science teacher.

Since , Daniel has worked as a Lecturer at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. by Daniel Kiikka. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

We use cookies from third party services to offer you a better experience. When you visit any website, it may store or retrieve information through your browser, usually in the form of cookies.

Since we respect your right to privacy, you can choose not to permit data collection from certain types of services. However, not allowing these services may impact your experience and what we are able to offer you.

September 11, In News , Fitness Components , Sports Science , Athletic Development 33 Minutes. Reaction Time Training - The Right Way.

By Daniel Kiikka. Introduction Basics of reaction time training and exercises Best methods to train reaction time Cognitive exercises for training reaction time Physical exercises for training reaction time Video games and reaction time Physiological effects of reaction time training Sample routines for improving reaction time Suitability for developing athletes and physical education Final thoughts Sources.

Introduction Reaction time is a skill that often goes overlooked in sports and athletic performance. Basics of reaction time training and exercises Reaction time training consists of exercises that train your brain to produce the correct response to the correct stimulus as quickly as possible.

Share this post. Reaction Time Training. Best methods to train reaction time The most effective reaction time training methods include different cognitive exercises , also known as brain exercises , and different physical training methods. Cognitive exercises for training reaction time Although every athlete is different and exercises can produce different results, the most consistent way of improving your reaction time is cognitive training, also known as brain training.

Physiological effects of reaction time training As a result of reaction time training and cognitive exercises, your brain forms new neural pathways, makes relevant connections stronger and irrelevant connections weaker. Reaction time is especially important in fast-paced sports like motorsports, eSports, boxing, badminton, etc.

Sample routines for improving reaction time Looking to have cat-like reflexes that take your performance to another level? Warmup Light min jog Active s stretches 2. Reaction ball drill Throw or kick the ball to the wall and try to catch it before it bounces twice.

Morning meditation 30mins 2. For more challenge, you can choose the correct signal from multiple signals to sprint from or run to different directions according to the stimulus. Sprinting from different positions can also be useful. Cone sprint training Take 5 different color cones and draw numbers on them.

When the coach yells a number or color, the athlete must sprint and touch the cone before returning back to the center. For a bigger challenge, the coach can also yell a simple math problem. Tennis ball catch drill Draw numbers on tennis balls.

Catch all 15 balls. Add them to a workout or do them on their own for five minutes, five times a week. You might notice some improvements as early as the second week, but keep working on it regularly. As with physical training, if you stop exercising your mental fitness, it will gradually decline.

How: Have a partner hold a ruler vertically a few feet in front of you at chest level. Position your thumb and index finger on either side of the bottom of the ruler without touching it.

When your partner drops the ruler, catch it between your fingers, noting the distance it falls. How: Stand in a ready position on the balls of your feet, knees slightly bent, and head up. When they drop a tennis ball, try to catch it before it hits the ground.

If they drop both, catch both. To make it harder, number the balls one and two, and have your partner call out the number of the one you should catch. How: Grab a misshaped ball, like a Sklz Reaction Ball , which bounces unpredictably.

Hold it about head high, using the ready stance. In this article, we will explain the factors that determine your reaction time, give you some tips to increase your reaction time for gaming, and then identify common mistakes you might not realize you are making that could be slowing your response time down.

Understanding Reaction Time. It's a critical component of gaming, especially in fast-paced action games like first-person shooter FPS games, racing games, and fighting games.

Factors that can affect reaction time in gaming include:. Age : Reaction times tend to slow down as we age. Without taking steps to maintain or advance your reaction time, science shows it can begin to drop off around age Genetics : Some individuals simply have a naturally faster reaction time than others.

Gaming experience : As players spend more time playing a particular game or genre, they become more familiar with gameplay mechanics, which leads to reduced strain on the mind and frees up mental resources to react faster.

Tips to Increase Reaction Time. Preparing the body and mind can go a long way to increase your reaction time. Add a few specific gaming techniques into the mix, and you could see a huge improvement in your performance. Improve your general health and fitness : Regular exercise and a healthy diet can improve your overall health and fitness levels, which can improve your reaction time.

Exercise also offers the benefit of promoting blood flow, which boosts cognitive function and reaction speed. Proper hydration is another key to overall physical performance.

Do exercises that enhance your reflexes : As part of your gaming routine, incorporating exercises that improve your reflexes can be beneficial for improving reaction time. Examples include throwing and catching a tennis ball against a wall, practicing ball drop drills, and playing other faster-paced games that require hand-eye coordination such as table tennis.

Train your eyes to track fast-moving objects : Training your eyes to track fast-moving objects can help improve your reaction time. Playing fast-paced video games or using eye-tracking exercises for gaming or reading can help strengthen the eye muscles and lead to a performance boost.