Reaction Time/ Defensive Footwork 💠
We often hear “I need to work on my reaction time” or “I just need better footwork” from athletes who are joining GPP. It is a common misconception that we can train foot speed and reaction time by doing fancy drills with ladders and complicated light-up devices. If the ultimate goal (get it?) is to be quick to react and skilled enough to position yourself well on defense, then we can think of no better way to improve these qualities in training, than to create a competitive reactive environment. 💠
One of the drills we use for this is the mirror 5-10-5, as seen in this video with @frisbeebob and @plastic_and_iron . Both athletes square off on the center cone and either react to each other's movements, or some audio or visual cue from an external source. In this case the cones have been numbered and @goose00helton will yell out which number to run to first. We will train in a controlled way first to master the physical components so that we can put them into specific practice later. 💠
It is important to know that even this drill will not directly make you better at defensive speed and positioning. You will have to work deliberately on your defensive sets at practice. Pick an opponent who is just outside your speed or skill range and push yourself to get better. Progress exists just beyond the boundaries of your comfort zone. 💠