1. Why is reaction time important in sport?

2. Decision Making and Reaction Time
Response time = RT + MT
Factors affecting reaction time
Simple and choice reaction time
Hicks Law
Psychological refractory period
Single channel hypothesis

3. Reaction time: The time between the onset of a stimulus and the initiation of the response.
It is the time the information processing system take to interpret the situation, formulate a motor programme and transmit the information to the muscular system

4. Movement time: the time between the start of the movement and its completion.
Time taken to physically complete the movement when the muscular system has received the message from the brain via the effector system.

5. Reaction time + Movement time
Response time: the time from the onset of the stimulus to the completion of the movement.
Response time =
Reaction time + Movement time

6. a b c D E F A = Stimulus Identification (perceptual)
Starters Athlete begins Athlete completes
Gun to leave the blocks 100m start
D E F
A = Stimulus Identification (perceptual)
B = Response Selection (translatory)
C = Response Programming (effector)
D = Reaction Time
E = Movement Time
F = Response Time

7. What factors can influence the speed of a performer’s reaction time?

8. Reaction Time Continued
Simple Reaction Time –
One stimuli and one possible response
E.g. Sprint Start (one stimuli = gun, one response = to run)
Choice Reaction Time –
Several stimuli and/or several possible responses (open skills)
E.g. goalkeeper at a corner kick (several stimuli = ball, players; several responses = come out and catch, punch, stay on line)

9. Activity: In pairs – one set of cards
One times, and the other performs. Then swap roles.
Performer has to complete the tasks below:
Divide cards into two piles, red or black
Divide cards into four piles, one of each suit
Divide the cards into eight piles, each suit with picture cards and numbers separate.
Plot a graph and discuss the results

10. Hicks Law
States that: the more choices a person is faced with, the longer their reaction time will be (directly proportional).
Reaction Time
Number of Choices

11. If a performer can develop a range of skills and employ them effectively when faced with a number of situations, his or her opponent will not know what is going to happen, and as a result, will have to delay the decision making process until the last moment.

12. Psychological refractory period (PRP)
An increase in reaction time can be explained by the PRP
Increase in reaction time when one stimulus is closely followed by a second stimulus
Why does this slow the reaction time down?

13. Single channel hypothesis: first piece of information must be cleared before the second can be processed. The brain can only deal with one piece of information at a time. When several pieces are received in rapid succession, a ‘bottleneck’ is formed, causing a slowing of the decision make.

15. What implications does this have on the performer?

17. Example of PRP
Badminton player – looks as if they are about to play a smash shot, but actually at the last moments plays a drop shot.
His opponent will find it difficult to react the rapid change of shot and direction of the shuttle

18. ipad activity Create a video explaining the PRP
Ensure you can explain what PRP is and explain when it is it occurring in your video

19. Improving response time
Performance can improve
More time to assess the situation
Anticipation

20. Anticipation depends on:
Past experiences
Recognition of specific cues

21. Two types of anticipation:
Spatial anticipation:
Involves the performer predicting what will happen
Predicting the drop shot in badminton
Temporal anticipation:
Involves the performer predicting when the action will happen
Guess when your opponent will pass the ball

22. Other methods to improve response time:
Mental rehearsal
Concentration on early warning signals
Relevant practice
Optimum arousal levels
Anticipation
Improve fitness/reaction time