Quick Reactions Win Games—Here’s How to Train Them

Everyone trains speed, strength, and skill—but what about reaction time?

Whether you’re picking off a pass, tracking a rebound, or reacting to a deflection in traffic, the faster your brain processes information, the faster your body can respond.

And the good news? Just like your muscles, your brain can be trained.

That’s where neuro drills and reaction training tools come in.

Improved reaction time leads to:

• Faster saves and glove hands

• Quicker puck pickups and transitions

• Smarter decisions under pressure

• Better positioning before the play develops

In short: better reaction time = more plays made.

What the Research Says

Reaction time and visual processing are trainable skills. Studies have shown that athletes who perform sport-specific reaction and cognitive drills increase response speed and accuracy under pressure, especially when using visual or sensorimotor tools like FITLIGHT and stroboscopic glasses.¹

This type of training improves neural efficiency, meaning your brain fires faster and with more precision.²

Tools That Improve Reaction Time

1. FITLIGHT or Light-Response Boards

– Tap lights as they flash randomly

– Great for visual processing and hand-eye coordination

– Track progress with speed and accuracy metrics

2. Reaction Balls or Bounce Tools

– Unpredictable bounces force quick reads and body control

– Excellent for hand-eye and multi-directional speed

– Use solo or in small-group formats

3. Vision Training Apps (Blazepod, Reflexion, etc.)

– Create custom drills for focus, speed, and reaction

– Portable and scalable from gym to ice

4. Simple Partner Drills

– Drop stick catches, color call-outs, mirror drills

– Low-tech, high-return when done consistently

How to Program Reaction Training

• 2–3x per week for 5–10 minutes

• Always fresh, not fatigued—keep drills fast and crisp

• Pair with warm-ups or technical skill blocks

• Track response time, accuracy, or number of reps

Train the Brain With Elite Goalie Method

Inside EGM Labs, you’ll get access to cognitive training strategies and progressive neuro drills tailored to both goalies and skaters.

Plus access to the private discord where I answer all your questions and review your clips!

Dr. Jamie

Ghost Rehab and Performance | Elite Goalie Method

References

1. Romeas T, Guldner A, Faubert J. 3D-Multiple Object Tracking training task improves passing decision-making accuracy in soccer players. Psychol Sport Exerc. 2016;22:1-9.

2. Erickson KI, Hillman C, Kramer AF. Physical activity, brain, and cognition. Curr Opin Behav Sci. 2015;4:27-32.

3. Quevedo L, Sole J, Palmer J, Planas A. Visual training program using the fitlight trainer® to improve sport performance. Rev Psicol Deport. 2014;23(2):399–406.

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