Speed of reaction is a much more important aspect of speed development, and can be improved dramatically at whatever age and level of competence. Speed of thought and speed of adjustment, are two areas which, when worked on consistently, produce fantastic improvements. All of the great players have a saying and an understanding that “the first 2 meters of movement are in your head”. How a player reacts or adjusts to an opponent's moves wins and loses games.
There are within this framework, two different types of players.
- Reactive - A player who only is aware and ready when directly involved with the play.
- Proactive - A player who is aware from the moment he steps onto the pitch until the moment he steps off at the end of the game, whether or not he is directly or indirectly involved with the play.
