Different Types of Reaction Time in Sports

Reaction time in sports is, simply, the time taken to respond to a stimulus. It can be divided into two types, simple and complex.

Types of reaction time

Let’s see what’s the difference between these two types of reaction time.

1. Simple reaction time

If the reaction is to a single stimulus, the time taken for the response is called simple reaction time. Typical reaction time for simple reactions is very quick. It generally takes 0.13 to 0.18 seconds to react to a single stimulus.

Simple reaction time examples include things like starting a sprint in response to the starting pistol. The sound of the gun is the stimulus, and starting the race is the response. The time between the gunshot sound reaching your ears and you taking the first leap of the race is the reaction time.

2. Complex reaction time

Complex reaction time is also called choice reaction time or compound reaction time. It is the time you take to respond to the correct stimulus when presented with a number of stimuli and respond in the best way possible. 

Complex reaction time is generally more than the simple one. It is because the brain has to receive, interpret, perceive and process a lot of information. It has to account for all factors and process the outcomes of all the possible responses before initiating a response. This makes the reaction to such stimuli considerably slower than singular stimuli. 

Complex reaction time examples in sport activities include the situations where the player has to respond to the movement of the ball, position of the other players, and the situation of the game and come up with a response that would be the best for the team.

No matter what type it is, a swift reaction time can help you excel in your game! Find out how to improve your reaction time with the Blazepod Flash Training, pushing your exercises further while simultaneously improving your reaction time.

Take it from the experts

Jamal Liggin

Owner of JLT Performance Gym

"Reaction and reaction time are the main pillars of training athletes. BlazePod is the best way to challenge your athletes' reaction, especially at the end of a long session. This is a vital element of being a pro athlete and BlazePod helps my athletes grow with each session."

Kostas Chatzichristos

Head of Performance, CSKA Moscow

"Reaction training was always an integral part of our movement training. I love the variation, training options and ease of use that BlazePod provides during our session. One of our most-used training tool"

John Achterberg

Liverpool FC GK Coach

"Top-tier athletes train not just to build muscle, but also to increase hand-eye coordination and reflex speed. BlazePod can do all three at once."

reaction-img
BlazePod kit

$299

Start your BlazePod journey with this customizable kit. Choose the amount of Pods your need based on your needs and profession.

  • 4 Pods
  • Charging base
  • Pod case
reaction-img
RIW™ pro bundle

$549

Get an RIW™ station going with your existing Pods and PodBases

  • 6 Pods
  • 6 PodBases
  • 6 Wall Mounts
  • Includes 6-month BlazePod Pro membership*

Interested in special offers & customization options for large groups and organizations? Let’s talk!

Conquer every goal, on every field

Train on neural priming and spatial awareness for faster, more accurate responses on the field.

Improve stamina, strength, and agility, with exciting and explosive new exercises.

Attack, guard, communicate, and shoot better on the court.

Attack, defend, and navigate the ring better than ever to win every fight.

Maximize responses for more agile footwork techniques, better serves, and more.

Enhance patient engagement, improve cognitive skills, and accelerate rehabilitation.