Reaction Time and Decision MakingA tennis player sees an opponent serve the ball and prepares to return it. Reaction time is the brief interval of time it takes for the player to determine how to play the ball before he or she ever begins to move.
Tips to Improve Reaction Time and Decision Making1. Study Opponents' Patterns. Understanding opponents' capabilities, skills, and preferences can narrow the number of choices and appropriate responses to their moves.2. Identify Cues. Spotting cues from opponents can telegraph their next move. Responding to cues narrows the choice of responses and speeds up decision making. 3. Practice Responding to Different Competitive Conditions. The amount and quality of practice can reduce the amount of time it takes for an athlete to make an appropriate decision. Experience teaches them which movements or cues from an opponent signal specific responses. For example, a black belt athlete in the martial arts can accurately counter a variety of oncoming strikes from an opponent with minimal delay. 4. Anticipate Opponents' Actions. An athlete's ability to predict what an opponent will do in certain situations and when they will do it speeds up planning and decision making. For example, a soccer goalie is likely to be successful in blocking a kick toward the goal if he or she can anticipate the movements of the kicker, as well as the speed and direction of the oncoming ball. 
Athletes intending to deceive opponents can use anticipation to their advantage by making movements unpredictable. If opponents are unable to anticipate a move, processing a response is slower. In addition, luring an opponent a movement that they anticipate can be used against them by changing the action to which they are to respond. For example, a volleyball player may move to signal a spike, then suddenly execute a dink.
5. Find the Optimal Performance Zone. Reaction time and decision making are influenced by how aroused athletes are. Athletes at a high arousal level may detect a limited number of signals because their focus narrows. This can be an advantage when situations are readily anticipated, but a disadvantage when unexpected signals occur. Coaches can help athletes maintain an optimal arousal level through the use of breathing exercises, progressive relaxation, visualization, and meditation skills. Achieving the optimal arousal zone promotes effective information processing, minimizing the adverse influence of high level competition on decision making. Related Pages: Coaching Feedback Mental Practice Sport Skills Setting Goals Sport Memory Stages of Learning Training Variation Transfer of Training
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Sources: Schmidt, R.A. & Wrisberg, C.A. (2008). Motor learning and performance: A problem-based learning approach (4th ed.). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics. Schmidt, R.A. & Lee, T.D. (1999). Motor control and learning: A behavioral emphasis (3rd ed.). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics. Wrisberg, C.A. (2007). Sport skill instruction for coaches. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
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