How Brain Function Helps Athletes Go To The Next Level
April 9, 2009 By Curtis T. Cripe, PhD.

The first part of Elite Performance is, natural talent. In sports this is generally defined by how well the musculo-skeletal system responds and reacts and how fast and efficient the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) functions. But in addition to that (and often overlooked) is how the brain allows these systems to be integrated. Depending on how well the Central Nervous System (CNS) interprets all the information and relays it to the appropriate brain centers will dictate natural ability. In other words, the efficiency of the brain and body will directly affect how one’s natural ability comes about.

The second part to Elite Performance is the development of skill sets. How well did the athletes internalize what the coach taught? How did the body respond to those teachings? What type of mind set did the athlete develop? In other words, at what level is brain memory and body memory and is the individual assertive or passive?

In order for the athlete to reach the next level in preparing for Elite Performance the central nervous system needs to be at peak performance levels. This means the athlete must be able to make fast and accurate judgments and use both expanded and selective focus, and alternate between both, quickly. In addition, the athlete must have a resilient nervous system that can handle not only the ordinary stresses of life, but also the added demands of either field or court play, the pressures of the game and the extra-sensory input that comes from the fans.

When natural ability, skill development and peak brain performance converge, the athlete is said to possess Elite Performance ability.

• Attention: To be able to divide the attention between expanded and narrow focus and alternate between the two with split second accuracy.
• Executive Judgment: To be able to instantly make skilled judgment calls based on the situation “in the moment”.
• Reaction Time: The body moves without conscious thought…quickly, efficiently and accurately.
• Central Nervous System: Resiliency to outside pressures and stresses.

The flexibility of all brain systems is critical in order for the athlete to jump higher, run faster, kick better, or perform more efficiently. That is why in ancient times, games and activities were originally developed and designed to highlight the prowess of the warriors on the field and the hunters in the forest. The ultimate performers learned how to use their primitive responses and reflexes better than the other competitors.

There are several options available to the Elite Performer in order to maintain or obtain this peak ability. While working with pro-athletes or those who are Elite Performers it has been our experience that the following are of the utmost importance:

• Optimal health and nutrition
• Training drills with coach and training practice
• Any activities designed to sharpen attention skills
• Activities and exercises that focus on response and reaction time that directly target the Central Nervous System
• Any activities that target speed of executive judgment

Most professional athletes look for professional programs that target their elite performance through brain mapping and reflex and development indexes. These tests can measure their natural abilities and their learned abilities and help perfect those areas in order to become Elite Performers.