The soccer field is busy. Players must remain vigilant and ready to react as the ball quickly makes its way back and forth. Athletes with solid reflex reactions may remain more aware and able to control the ball. Indeed, regular practice could help in this area; however, you may wonder what else you could do to improve your reflex skills. The following are five things to sharpen your reaction times.
- Learn To Focus in a Busy Environment
Your senses may feel an overload during a match. You’re dealing with the weather, the field, the uniform, the stress and the noise. How do you handle so much and remain focused on the ball and your position? You have to learn to accept the environment while maintaining concentration and awareness.
Consider taking a sensory processing disorder test to see if certain factors distract you more than others. Understand your strengths and weaknesses and practice overcoming those deterrents.
- Work on Your Periphery Vision
Peripheral vision is the ability to see what surrounds you. Some refer to it as seeing things from the sides or corners of your eyes. Can you tell when someone is coming up? You need more than a straight view of the game. You should understand what is happening all around you. Why is this important for reflexes? The sooner you see an opponent on the move, the more time your brain has to react.
Select a few eye exercises that specialize in strengthening this skill. For instance, try sitting outside. Note what you can view from directly in front of you to the sides. Practice them a couple of times a day, pushing yourself to find more.
- Use a Reaction Ball
Rebounder nets may give athletes more than a chance to catch a ball; they could elevate your reflex speed. Put a net up in the yard. Take 10-15 minutes a day to toss a rubber ball against it. If you don’t have a net available, find a solid wall. Start slow, bouncing the ball and catching it in return. Gradually increase the speed as you see the activity becoming easier.
Games such as jacks work similarly. Bounce the ball, and pick up the jacks. Begin by trying to grab one or two. As your reflexes get better, strive to catch them all.
- Play Video Games
According to the University of Rochester, some studies have indicated that people who play video games become more aware of their surroundings; players may also enjoy improved reaction speeds. The time spent fighting enemies on the screen has trained them to remain on the prowl constantly. This heightened attention filters into other areas such as the field. So grab a controller and practice hunting down the bad guys. A little fun could do you a world of good.
- Practice With Obstacles
Build critical thinking skills by training on the field with obstacles. Plan out various activities that purposely put stress or physical hurdles in your way. Find ways around the problems learn to overcome the hindrances.
Set up a course that demands you push your dribbling and passing skills. Set a goal to make it through, timing yourself each time. Do it until you reach that objective, and then push yourself to battle through a different course.
Practice, of course, remains critical to improving your soccer moves. However, there are several ways on and off the field to elevate your reflexes, gaining quickness and accuracy. So, make time in your time to strengthen your talents. Develop your eyes to see more around you. Play video games that challenge you to think about surroundings and react with thought and speed.
