Reaction time is the time between the appearance of a stimulus (a ball, shuttle or opponent’s movement) and the beginning of a physical response. In fast sports it is decisive: a returning badminton smash, facing a fast bowler, or saving a penalty all allow only a fraction of a second to react. Simple reaction time (one stimulus, one response) is largely innate, but sport-specific reaction is hugely improved by experience and anticipation — expert players read cues (body position, racket angle) before the object even moves, effectively buying time. Reaction drills, strobe training and small-sided games develop this skill.
Key points
- Time from stimulus to response start
- Decisive in fast sports
- Anticipation (reading cues) buys crucial time
- Improved by experience and reaction drills
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