Example Uses of the Concentration Grid Exercise for Coaches
• Use grid exercise for helping and assessment of individual athletes with focus/concentration and dexterity
• Set aside practice or pre-season time for the team to complete the grid exercise
• Use the grid exercise as a gameday/pre-competition/locker room ritual (quiet time)
• Have athletes practice the grid exercise under distracting/simulated game conditions (e.g. noise, movement, lighting, etc.) – monitor the effect of distractions on performance
• Include the grid exercise as a mental skills training station during multi-station workouts
• Generate a random grid with the app and print/copy a screenshot on paper sheets to hand out with pen to the entire team – then time the team with a stopwatch as they complete the exercise (old school)
• Keep the team challenged/productively occupied with the grid app during travel/road trips (bus rides)
• Set up intra-squad/intra-school competitions with the grid exercise (e.g. individual tournaments, group/team tournaments, team competitions, etc.)
• Set up in-season and off-season competitions with the grid exercise for team/athletes (track best individual time, most improved, etc.)