Tools for Measuring Concentration in Sports

Reaction Time

• In sports, reaction time refers to an athlete's ability to respond to her opponents' actions. On defense, this might mean the ability to block a ball once it is shot toward the goal. To test an athlete's reaction time in practice, perform drills that force her to respond quickly. For example, instruct three players to dribble up and down the basketball court. When you yell "pass," the player holding the ball must pass it to one of the two other players. When you yell "switch," the player holding the ball must begin dribbling in the opposite direction. When you yell "score," the player holding the ball must sprint to the basket and attempt to make a shot. The other two players must play defense.

Distractions

• Distractions at sporting events include yelling fans, intimidating opponents and worried coaches. To test an athlete's susceptibility to distraction in practice, perform drills with planned distractions. For example, have each player take 10 shots at the free-throw line. For the first five, have him shoot in silence. For the next five, have his teammates yell, scream, clap and distract him in any way they can. If the player makes fewer free throws in the second round, he may have a hard time concentrating when faced with distractions.

Emotional Control

• Athletes must keep their emotions under control. Otherwise, anger, disappointment and disbelief can get in the way of playing with power, quickness and accuracy. Observe your players during a game to see how they deal with failure. When the other team steals the ball, scores a point or otherwise gains an advantage, how do your players respond? Typically, some will switch immediately from offense to defense and attempt to regain control of the ball. Others, however, might spend too much time engaging in emotional fits. When a player makes a mistake or somehow fails on the court, she may attempt to punish herself or others, forgetting that the game must go on.