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A Total Reaction Screen (or TRS) is a system incorporating a frame from which strips of material hang to form an apparently solid screen wall. The screen is designed to allow the screen to part and allow an object contacting the screen to pass through the screen. This allows participants on either side of the screen, for example, to throw, pass, hit or kick the object to each other through or under the screen. The object is only sighted once it comes through or under the screen thus reducing the time the receiving participant has to respond to and react.
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The TRS system has potential use in medicine as a tool for physical testing and rehabilitation.
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The TRS primarily excels in reaction training for a wide range of sports and general physical training.
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The TRS also has potential with police or armed forces as a reaction training aid.
From the outset the Total Reaction Screen system was designed to enhance and improve the sporting ability of
athletes. Throughout development though, it became apparent that the screens would have a much wider range
of uses than was originally envisaged.
Trialling of the screens as a medical rehabilitation tool for assistance in the motor skills of stroke
victims is one of the identified areas of potential usage. Additionally there is potential in the
improvement of reaction skills for armed forces, security services and law enforcement. An assessment
regimen for this usage is currently undergoing preparation. It is anticipated that there are many more
screen usages than those already identified.
The Total Reaction Screen (TRS) has many uses and applications. In essence, participants stand either side
of the TRS. Each participant is faced with the screen which appears as a continuous screen wall. The screen
is designed to separate on an object coming into contact with it so that the screen will part and allow the
object to pass through to the other side.
One participant throws, passes, bowls, hits or kicks an object through or under the screen to the
participant on the other side. The receiving participant is aware that the object is coming but the first
the participant sees of the object is when the screen parts and the object appears through or comes under
the screen. This reduces the time that the receiving participant has to respond and react and deal with the
object as required in the training drill.
The overall result is that use of the screen results in improvement in participant's concentration,
focus, awareness, co-ordination, response time and reaction speed. These improvements collectively take
the participants to a higher skill level.
The Total Reaction Screen is specifically designed to take athletes outside of their "Comfort Zone." It
is a training aid intended to produce artificial pressured environments that require game related skills
to be performed at a higher level or standard. Use of the Total Reaction Screen produces an environment
which places users in situations where they will learn, use, practice, correct and refine their
skills.
Users of the system will achieve greater anticipation, response and reaction improvement with resultant
decision making qualities necessary to automatically perform at a higher level.
Please Contact Us regarding further details about the TRS.
In the videos below, Lincoln football club goal keeping coach Jimmy Walker puts junior Goal-keeper Mike Antkowiak through his paces using the TRS.
England under 18 fullback Tom Walker practicing with the TRS.
Former England wicket keeper and now Head Coach for Leicester County Cricket Paul Nixon, puts his squad through slips fielding practice using the Total Reaction Screen.
Ipswich Goalkeeping Coach Jimmy Walker takes a junior goalkeeping squad through a series of drills using the Total Reaction Screen.
David Waite's CV
First Grade Playing Career Position: Winger
Playing for:
Wests Wollongong
Cronulla Sutherland
Western Suburbs
Representative Career
1973, NSW Country Firsts
1973 - 74, NSW
1973 - 74, Australia
Coaching Career
1984 - 86, Australian Schoolboys (Undefeated)
1985 - 87, Canterbury Under 23s
1988 - 91, Newcastle Reserve Grade
1991 - 94, Newcastle First Grade
1996 - 2000, St George First Grade
2000 - Coaching Co-ordinator - English Rugby Football League
2001 - 2003, Great Britain International Team
> 2006, The England Academy and Catalan Dragons
Coach Jimmy Walker takes the Ipswich squad through a series of drills using the TRS.
Imagine you are a soccer goalie defending your goal. All you can see is a screen, yet you are aware a player on the other side is about to kick the ball at the goal. You know it's coming but you don't know where it will be directed or how it will be kicked. You are concentrating at a level you never have before. You are up on your toes in anticipation and in preparation to dive and deflect the ball past the goal. You know your response and reaction time has to be quicker than it has ever been because you will not sight the ball until it breaks through the screen. What is obvious is that if you can successfully defend in this situation then your skills are going to be enhanced to a level that you will be a better defender on the field when it counts. This is the edge that wins the matches.
This example demonstrates the application for the Baseball Pitcher and Batter. Again, there is the
creation of a training situation outside the participant's normal comfort zone. The result is a
pitcher
who can confirm his ability to hit a spot part way to the batsmen by noting the spot (target area)
where
the ball contacts the screen and, a batsman who, by hitting the ball, has honed his response and
reaction time to the point that, at game time, will give him the superior batting edge required to
win
the game.
A similar concept with identical benefits applies to other sports through the use of the Total
Reaction
Screen as a training aid.
Total Reaction Screen set up at Australian Cricket Centre, Brisbane.
School children at Ellesmere College at Leicester practising Football skills using the Total Reaction Screen.
As a high-performance Rugby coach, I continually challenge my learning to develop my coaching. Researching literature, studying sport-specific themes and accepting a mentor form part of that learning. Significantly seeking advice from other sport coaches provide an edge to my growth.
Although an experienced high-performance coach, I look to challenge academy coaches and community coaches as custodians of the best young talent. That is, to refine their methods and practices to support the players learning. Of course, refining your environment means having the best tools available.
Total Reaction Screens (TRS) are one such tool and are fantastic to use. Easily moveable and to set up, I was impressed with the application for teaching, adaptation and practicality in the coaching environment. Working closely with TRS operators, I observed the many benefits of the screens. In Rugby, I believe the screen can be used to develop:From experience, the Total Reaction Screens are especially beneficial to the young developing player (5-12 years) to refine their senses to necessary Rugby skills. Therefore, the screen use at the academy and elite level is endless, considering the player’s needs. I may add Total Reaction Screens can be adapted to many sports where coordination, vision and skill enhancement are required. I offer the highest support for Total Reaction Screens.
- Peripheral vision, sideways and depth
- Hand-eye and foot coordination, remedial and correction
- Balance, for an ensuing action
STEVE J. ANDERSON has qualifications in psychology, sociology, sports management, and high- performance coaching. Steve has worked globally for 30 years in the elite echelons of professional Rugby League and Rugby Union. These appointments include Scottish Rugby Union, Irish Rugby, Warrington Super League in the UK, Rugby Australia, and the Melbourne Storm NRL, among others. Steve built a reputation for remodelling national and provincial clubs utilising coaching and academic insight to develop elite players and coaches.
Author | High-Performance Coach | Leadership Facilitator
On 1st June 2019 I took my professional record to 11 fights for 11 wins when I won the Pan Pacific Welterweight Championship in Macau. I won the Championship by majority decision however I felt like I fought a completely different fight compared to my other fights.
I had been unable to use the Total Reaction Screen (TRS) for training sessions for the past two fights and I have noticed that my timing and reaction speed has been off. I fought a tough Filipino and I felt like I fought completely differently compared to my other fights. Normally I would see and time the punches coming, but because I had not been using the TRS to assist my focus and timing during training camp, I found the fight a lot harder.
I have now received a new TRS and can’t wait until I set it up again and use it in training for my next fight.
Professional Boxer
I have been using the TRS for approximately 2 years, during which time I’ve had 6 professional fights, winning all of them by knockout or technical knock out. There is no doubt that the TRS played a major role in my successes. My sharpness, balance and anticipation levels have improved greatly from the use of the TRS.
The lead up to my last fight in China had been interrupted by not being able to train with the TRS for the last 3 weeks of my preparation.
The TRS was not available due to it’s use in the promotion of another sport.
I won my fight, but it went 10 rounds. There is no doubt in my mind that I was no where near as sharp or focused as I had been in my previous fights.
This has highlighted to me the importance of consistent and regular use of the TRS, to maintain that extra edge needed to be a winner and more confident leading up to and during my fights.
Professional Boxer
I have been using the Total Reaction Screen for 9 months now, and I must say this year has probably been the best year of my fighting career. My reaction, speed, and timing have all improved since using the TRS. The reality experienced by using the screen is exactly what you get during a fight. The reaction and response replicates an actual fight.
I have had 2 fights this year after training with the TRS I out boxed both opponents completely. The last fight my reaction time had improved to the point that my opponent had difficulty landing any punches at all. I was able to counter him with harder and faster shots and able to end the fight very quickly. With the TRS, the best thing about this is that you can use it right up until fight night making you sharper and have no risk of any injuries where in sparring, we have to stop a week or 2 before the fight to prevent getting cut or injured before the fight.
Professional Boxer
Steven's full testimonial and current list of awards is available by following this link.
Through our head of PE we managed to trial the TRS to a cross section of pupils with complex learning disabilities. The reaction of the students was excellent. Without doubt one could see the immediate benefits enhancing exercise, improving hand eye coordination and motivating students to join in. Overall there was an enjoyment factor.
We are certainly keen to integrate the TRS into our regular programmes at the college. We are also prepared to promote its use with other Special Schools in our region.
MBE (Awarded for promotion of Sport and Education in Leicestershire).
Steve's full testimonial is available by following this link.
The TRS shows great potential to a wide range of sports.
We welcome former Olympian Gemma Hadley and Claire Richichi on board. Gemma is a former Australian
Water
Polo representative and World Championship Silver Medallist. She holds a Masters in Sports Coaching
and is
Australian Schoolgirls Coach. Claire is a former Australian Hockeyroos Olympic sports physiologist and
is
a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Exercise Physiology with degrees in Bachelor of Science (BSc), Human
Movement and First Class Honours in Sports Physiology. She is currently a Sports Physiologist with the
Australian Institute of Sport.
Great news to have these ladies in our corner and a great comment from two very highly credentialed
sports
administrators.
You can read a testimonial from Gemma Hadley by following this link.
I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for the provision of the reaction screen at Leicestershire County Cricket Club. The idea of it is superb and something, I believe, the market is lacking. Apart from the skill benefits it provides, it adds to the fun element for the players, which is vital in a long tough year on the County circuit. The fact that it can be used indoors and outdoors adds to its appeal, coupled with the fact that the players can do quality work without the need for a coach to be present. Finally, and most importantly, it provides the ability for players to enhance skills which become transferable to match play, something which is not easily achieved by the vast majority of training aids.
As you know, I have now moved to Sri Lanka as their National Lead Fielding Coach and would welcome the use of the reaction screen here. I have no doubt of its benefits and that it would enhance the level of fielding throughout our pathway. It would make us the first country to use and endorse it as far as I'm aware.
Thank you once again for your valued support.
National Lead Fielding Coach,
Sri Lanka Cricket Board
After trialling the Total Reaction System with our 7-11 years old students over a four week period we have seen improvement in concentration and awareness in the throwing and catching skills of the students.
... We were seeing a high percentage of students getting in a set position, with hands out and in a loaded position before the objects were being delivered.
With my extensive involvement in competitive and representative rugby, I see the Total Reaction Screen as a beneficial tool that will help the development of fundamental skills that will lead into continued development in whatever sports path students will take.
B.P.E, Dip Ed
Churchlands Primary School, WA
A report regarding the testing of the TRS is available
here.
You can read more about Michael's testimonial in this
document.
... The TRS has created an innovative and exciting training aid that deals with the real practical world by offering coaches a means of gaining an edge for players who are exposed to a training regime to create a training effect that enhances the performance of skills in game situations.
B.P.E (UWA), Dip Ed, H/Cert., Offr RAA
You can read the full overview of the Total Reaction Screen by Rob Langer in this report.
Having worked in sports science, medicine and a designer of innovative performance improvement specialised equipment for over 20 years, I consider the reaction screen one of the most important new innovations in sports science and medicine. Its impact on improving sports performance, both team, group and individual, I have seen for many years.
I have personally presented the screen to Premiership football, Rugby Clubs. Also International Rugby Coaches and leading cricketers. All have agreed the potential and benefits of the reaction screen are crucial in today’s sports training conditioning arena.
I believe this innovative product has tremendous potential to change current concepts of game readiness training in many sports but also has ideal applications to be used in Schools and even working with aged people to prevent reaction deterioration and falls.
I highly recommend this product and am privileged to be involved within the project.
Managing Director, SAQ International
The Total Reaction Screen system is devised for use by two or more people depending on which application is being used. The reasoning behind this is that one user delivers an object through the screen with the other user reacting and returning the object back through the screen. Additionally a series of screens may be linked together for multiple users.
The TRS is suitable for use in any sport and is adaptable to any number of skills and drills as designed by the practitioner. To date specific screens have been devised for Football (Soccer), Rugby League, Rugby Union, Netball, Cricket, Baseball, Field Hockey, Ice Hockey and Water Polo. It is intended to add to this list sports such as AFL, Volley Ball, Boxing, Hand Ball etc. Applications have also been identified for Tennis and it is clear that any sport in which response and reaction time is an essential element will benefit from use of the device.
Either the standing model or the suspended ceiling model is available for personal use at home. These models incorporate screen height variations and are suitable for use by both juniors and adults. The advantages of these systems is that both allow continued use as the junior user matures.
By conducting training drills with the TRS, "Speed of Movement" is enhanced and "Reaction Time"
is
reduced. When "Speed of Movement" and "Reaction Time" are combined, they produce a faster
"Response
Time" meaning, the TRS enhances and increases all aspects associated with "Brain Speed and Reflex
Action".
Response Time is the time it takes (from beginning to end) to react to a situation, decide what
action
needs to be taken and to take the appropriate action.
Sometimes there is only one course of action available with only the one possible response. Often
however in sport, there are several responses available to each situation and it is essential for
the
athlete to choose the most advantageous response.
By using the TRS as a training aid the athlete can, under game related drills and scenarios,
choose
which response is best applied in the circumstances. Improved response and reaction skills gained
in
these conditions gives the athlete the advantage of being trained to make the correct choice on
the
playing field.
Regular training with TRS will result in improved:
• Focus
• Response and Reaction Times;
• Anticipation;
• Preparation;
• Concentration; and
• Balance.
The benefits from improving in each of these areas will lead to higher standards of performance
and
better results - the difference between winning and losing.
The Total Reaction Screen is designed to improve all levels of users - from novices to professionals. In short, this will depend on the standard of your current skill level. Professionals may already have some of the skills and may be seeking improvement through consistency. In that example improvement may take longer than for a novice seeking improvement in their skill level. Novices would expect to see improvement rapidly after only a few sessions of screen use.
First use of the Total Reaction Screen should be at a distance from the screen that feels comfortable to the user. Once the user understands how the system operates the users may project the object faster through or under the screen. The capacity to achieve the same results with a faster moving object gauges the users improvement. Once competency is achieved at that distance from the screen the user shortens the distance giving participants less response and reaction time. Continued reduction in distance while maintaining the same competency standards similarly gauges the user's improvement.
A comfort zone is a behavioral state within which a person operates in an anxiety-neutral condition, using a limited set of behaviors to deliver a steady level of performance, usually without sense of risk. A comfort zone is a type of mental conditioning that causes a person to create and operate within mental boundaries. These boundaries create an unfounded sense of security. It is the act which one can perform automatically without being placed under stress or pressure. To be limited to performing within your comfort zone restricts your performance to those basic capabilities.
Each Total Reaction Screen comes with suggested drills relating to the type of screen for that particular sport. These are by no means the only drills that can be used and other drills will no doubt be devised by the users, trainers and coaches. The types of drills used will only be limited by the imagination of the trainer, coach and the user.
The purpose of the Total Reaction Screen is to take you outside of your comfort zone. For a person to be taken outside their comfort zone they must experiment with new and different behaviors and experience the new and different responses that occur. To step outside the comfort zone raises the anxiety level engendering a stress response, the result of which is an enhanced level of concentration and focus - the Optimal Performance Zone. In terms of performance management and development, the objective of the coach or trainer is to cause the person to enter their Optimum Performance Zone for a period of time so that new skills and performance levels can be achieved and embedded.
The ceiling suspended model and the basic aluminium model of the Total Reaction Screen are currently our most cost effective type of screen and both are for personal ownership and use. The price of the screen is dependent upon the type of sport applicable to the use of the screen. Screen prices are available by contacting the approved distributor.
This depends on the intended use of the Total Reaction Screen. Different screen sizes apply to different applications and in some cases multiple screens are joined together to create a larger screen wall. In general though, the basic dimensions for sporting applications are approximately 3.6m wide and between 2.1m to 2.5m high.
Again, this is dependent on the purpose for which the screen is being used. Obviously the area required for cricket is greater than is required for rugby. General use can be as little as 50 square metres (5m X 10m) with all uses (except cricket) being contained within 100sq metres (20m X 5 m).
The frame is designed to break down into sections to permit transportation. A trailer is generally sufficient to transport the frame from one site to another. The relocated screen can be assembled relatively quickly by two adults. Ideally, the frame is best left set up with the screens left in place if the system is being used in an indoor environment. If required though, the entire screen system can be dismantled and reassembled for each usage.
Total Reaction Screens are primarily designed for indoor use or outdoors in sheltered areas. The screens perform at their optimum indoors because of the absence of the effects of wind. The screens may only be used outdoors in benign conditions or where a protective wind break is provided. In the event the screens are used outdoors screen movement from the wind may effect the screens vision block out concept thus reducing the effectiveness of the screens. Whilst the screens are made from tough UV resistant material it is recommended that the screens be removed after outdoor use and securely stored so that the life of the screens is maximised.
The Total Reaction Screen system consists of a frame and screen component. The frame models are made of aluminium and will last for many years under normal conditions of use. The screens are made of tough material which is UV resistant. The life of the screens will be different from sport to sport and will naturally be dependent on the amount of usage. Storage of the screens in the correct manner after use will prolong screen life. Replacement screens may be purchased separately to the frames.
Anything can be dangerous if not used properly. The frames are constructed from aluminium and, wherever possible, do not have sharp edges. Proper usage does not envisage users coming into contact with the screens or the frames. There is a risk of users being hit by objects passing through the screens when in use and, depending on the use being employed, sensible protective gear should be utilised to overcome injury. Use of the Total Reaction Screens under supervision of a responsible adult is recommended.
Prices for each different standard of frame for the relevant sport type are available by contacting the approved distributor or by viewing our pricing sheet.
Yes. Marshall Fittler, one of the directors of ASI is the original designer of the Total Reaction Screen.
Yes. ASI is presently offering licenses for Australia & New Zealand, USA, Canada and Europe. Information in relation to the licence arrangements may be obtained by contacting our Co-ordination Manager whose details may be found under our Contact Us heading.
ASI stands for the Australian company, Australian Sporting Innovations Pty Ltd (as Trustee). ASI is the owner of all patents and copyright relating to the Total Reaction Screens.
Meet the driving force behind ASI and the Total Reaction Screen (TRS); a team with combined experience of over 60 years in professional sporting activities and business.
Though now in retirement, Marshall spends his time putting back into the community and refining and
expanding his sporting inventions.
In his earlier years Marshall played Rugby League to a representative level and he has many years of
experience and involvement in sport in general.
He is the primary inventor of the Australian Sporting Innovations array of Screen Trainers. Marsh
has
previously invented a football (soccer) boot, which he nicknamed "The Sidewinder", because of its
capacity to bend the flight of a football. This boot became the precursor to the highly successfully
marketed "Predator" boot.
Marshall has been president and chair of various health orientated groups, those being Regional
Community Watch, Northern Rivers Health Care and Our Health Association. Marshall is now president
of
Crackin' Cancer and is in the process of forming another health related organisation with several
northern NSW medical specialists, in order to provide medical facilities, improved medical services
and
improved medical treatments in the north eastern NSW region.
Over the years Bill has managed his own investment and insurance management business, employing up
to 35
staff, before turning to his lifelong passion, sport management and development. For the past 5 1/2
years Bill has been a successful self-employed businessman, living in the western beach suburbs of
Perth.
During his sporting career, he played junior representative cricket, won a State gold medal in
lifesaving and played representative rugby league. He has played first grade rugby league in
Brisbane
and played against touring Great Britain, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea teams. He was coach of
the
Central Queensland Capras against the 1984 touring Great Britain team. He has coached rugby league
at
club, district and state level, including Queensland state league. He has held the Nationally
accredited
level 3 coaching certificate, refereeing, strength and conditioning and sports first aid
certificates.
He has been sports coaching director of a well-known sports specific college in Queensland, and has
spent his adult life dedicated to the management and development of sports people.
John has worked for over 40 years as an Electrical contractor/supervisor/auditor on major sites
around
Australia and presently CEO of an aquatic & electrical company operating in Australia and New
Zealand. He is an owner and director of several companies.
John's sporting experience is as a former A grade cricketer, soccer and water polo player for many
years, a regional association delegate of Northern New South Wales Soccer, a North Coast Soccer
director, a club president, referee, representative level coach and selector and in his later years
he
was selected to play/ tour in Canada at the World Golden Oldies Soccer Tournament.
John has considerable experience with product design, patents and inventions and is personally the
holder of many patents and designs in Australia and Overseas including the range of Snapfix and
Powerlock products. For 5 years he was General Manager of Innolink (a Gold Coast based Inventors
association operating from Bond University) and was involved for a number of years with Bond
University's Mootcorp team to USA.
Paul is the company secretary. He is a practicing solicitor in Queensland with over 35 years'
experience
in commercial law. He currently provides consultancy services to McKays Solicitors in the Queensland
provincial city of Mackay. He has significant experience as a director of various private companies
and
a strong background in company advices. He is a currently a Director of a board of a medical
practice
and, in a consultancy role, has previously provided advices on corporate governance issues to
various
privately owned companies.
Paul previously played Rugby League to a country representative level before taking an early
sporting
retirement to further his studies. Whilst he is still an avid follower of League, his sporting
interests
these days are centred around golf at the Mackay Golf Club where he has provided pro bono legal
services
for the past 30 years.
The directors gratefully acknowledge the support, assistance and contributions made by Craig Gillard (Drafting & Design) and Allan Corkery of Quick Ally (Innovation, Design and Manufacturing) in relation to the company's products.