Sample Decision-Making Drills
These drills simulate game-like situations where athletes must make quick decisions under pressure. For example, a basketball coach might set up a drill where the athlete has to make a split-second decision on whether to shoot or pass the ball.
Football:
Play Run-Throughs: Athletes run through plays where they have to make quick decisions based on their teammates and the opposing team's actions.
Passing Drills: Quarterbacks practice making split-second decisions about where and when to throw the ball, taking into account the positions of defensive players.
Defensive Drills: Defensive players practice reading the opposing team's offense and deciding when and where to block or tackle.
Basketball:
3-on-2, 2-on-1 Fast Break Drill: This drill forces players to decide quickly whether to pass, shoot, or drive based on the actions of their opponents.
Shell Drill: A team defensive drill that forces players to react quickly to ball movements, deciding when to help, switch, or stick with their original assignment.
Read and React Drills: Players have to react quickly to their coach's call or signal, deciding instantly what play to run.
Soccer:
Small-Sided Games: Smaller teams (like 3v3 or 5v5) mean more touches on the ball and more quick decisions to be made.
Passing Drills: Players must decide where and when to pass the ball, taking into account the positions of other players.
Defensive Drills: Players practice quickly deciding when to tackle, intercept, or shadow the opposing player.
Baseball:
Infield-Outfield Drills: Players must make quick decisions on where to throw the ball during different game scenarios.
Hit-and-Run Drills: These drills require batters and runners to quickly decide their actions based on the ball's trajectory and the fielders' positions.
Pick-Off Drills: Pitchers and infielders practice making fast decisions on when and where to attempt a pick-off.
Tennis:
Serve Return Drills: Players practice deciding quickly where to return the serve based on the server's actions.
NetPlay Drills: Players have to react quickly to their opponent's shot, deciding whether to volley, half-volley, or let the ball pass for a baseline shot.
Baseline Drills: Players hit from the baseline and must make quick decisions on shot selection based on their opponent's actions.
Swimming:
Race-Pace Sets: Swimmers decide how fast to swim each segment of a race-pace set, learning to gauge their energy output for different parts of a race.
Flip Turn Drills: Swimmers practice deciding when to initiate a flip turn based on their proximity to the pool wall.
Stroke Transition Drills: In medley events, swimmers have to decide the right time to transition between different strokes to maximize speed and efficiency.
Boxing:
Sparring: Boxers have to make split-second decisions on when to attack, defend, or move based on their opponent's actions.
Pad Work: Working with a coach on the pads, the boxer must react quickly to the coach's calls or gestures, deciding which punch to throw.
Shadow Boxing: Boxers visualize an opponent and practice making quick decisions on punches, footwork, and defense.
Rugby:
Attack vs. Defense Drills: Players practice making quick decisions on when to pass, kick, or run based on the defense's actions.
Ruck Drills: Players in ruck situations need to decide quickly where to position themselves and where to move the ball.
Lineout Drills: Jumpers and lifters need to make split-second decisions on timing and positioning based on the thrower's actions and the opponents' positioning.
Hockey:
Odd-Man Rush Drills: These drills force players to decide quickly whether to shoot or pass based on the actions of their opponents.
Defensive Zone Coverage Drills: Players must react quickly to the opponent's offensive movements, deciding when to block, poke check, or stay in position.
Power Play Drills: The team with the man advantage must make quick decisions on shot selection, passes, and player movement to exploit the advantage.
Volleyball:
Free Ball Drills: Players practice quickly deciding where to position themselves and where to send the ball when a free ball comes over the net.
Dig or Dive Drills: Players must decide quickly whether to dig a ball normally or dive for it based on its trajectory and speed.
Attack Line Drills: Hitters need to make split-second decisions on the type and direction of their attack based on the set and the opposing team's positioning.
