When preparing for the unpredictable, we must identify the consistent variables. But there will always be unforeseeables.
Because of this, we focus on what skills will translate across scenarios. We build the strongest foundation from which to execute.
In the gym you optimize foundational movements – push, pull, squat, lunge, hinge, and carry.
You put in the reps knowing that, while they may not directly reflect the exact scenarios, training this will provide you with a strong foundation no matter which scenario you encounter.
As a tactical athlete, performing under sensory chaos is another consistent variable you want to lay a strong foundation for.
You may not know the exact auditory, visual, vestibular, or somatosensory demands you will face, but you know they are going to be a part of the equation.
And, like your strength and conditioning training, incorporating training to build the strongest foundation for the consistent sensory variables allows you to prepare for the sensory chaos you face.
Here are a few foundational sensory capabilities to consider: