Nov 18, Coordisports P.E. Report

Expert Column

In my last column, I explained how balance is necessary for all physical activities. Balance is like the foundation for a house: like balance, the foundation ensures everything is standing. There is also the ability to react. In athletic events, children who can react quickly to the starting signal can run faster. Reaction is also divided into two categories: simple reaction ability and selective reaction ability. Simple reaction ability is the ability to measure how quickly one can react to cues. The brain issues commands to the body to move in response to sounds and movements it receives via hearing and vision. The commands are converted into electrical signals that pass through the nerves to move the body. The faster this flow is, the better the simple reaction ability. On the other hand, selective response ability requires a decision to be made by the brain. In soccer during penalties, the keeper responds to signals such as the trajectory of the ball to selectively respond and move in the right direction to make the save. The required reaction differs depending on the characteristics of the sport. In my next column, I will go through which reaction ability is required for which sport.