Scanning Drill
Set up two rows of parallel cones (five or six cones), with rows approximately 5 meters long and cones 1 meter apart. Ask the athlete to approach the cones at a moderate speed and ride his/her bicycle between the cones a couple of times to practice riding in a straight line. Once the athlete is secure in riding a straight line, ask the athlete to ride between the cones at a moderate speed. At the halfway point, ask the athlete to look to the left (scan) briefly, while maintaining a straight line, and identify the color of a card held up by a coach. To practice scanning behind, ask the athlete to look back over the left shoulder to identify the card and then look forward to check that the bike has maintained a straight path. The athlete must call out the color of the card. Alternate riding the course scanning to both the left and the right.
Hint: Begin by flashing the cards as the athlete approaches to get him/her used to looking for the card. Then, wait until the athlete passes you to flash the card so the athlete is required to scan to the left at approximately 90 degrees. Finally, wait to flash the card until the athlete passes so the athlete must scan over his/her shoulder in order to see the card. Practice first on a stationary bike. Emphasize the need to continue riding in a straight line, keep both hands on the handlebars, and turn the head — and not the shoulders — to scan.
