Rock Paper Scissors in Sports
Rock Paper Scissors (RPS) supports fast choices and simple team drills. Teams use it to pick starters, settle small decisions, and build reaction time. Below are decision uses, training ideas, clear how-tos, and a WRPSA-style example you can run at events and practices.
Quick, Fair Decisions
Use RPS for low-stakes sideline choices where rules allow. Set a shared cadence and signal standard before play.
- Cadence: “One-two-three-throw.”
- Signals: Clear, fully extended hand shapes.
- Format: One throw or best-of-three; announce beforehand.
Example: Two players both want the first rep in a shooting drill. Best-of-three on a steady count; winner goes first.
Sideline Steps
- Confirm a coin toss isn’t required by the rulebook.
- State the count and any repeat/retie rules out loud.
- Throw on three; show clean signals.
- Call the result and proceed (log it if you track rotations).
Example: Two subs arrive together; one clean throw decides who enters first without delaying the match.
Team Drills That Use RPS
1) Perception–Action “Call & Go” (ball sports)
- Partners pass; on release, Player A flashes and calls a hand sign.
- Player B must repeat the call instantly, then pass.
- If late: 5-meter sprint or 3 quick shuffles; rotate every 30–60 seconds.
Goal: Couple vision, voice, and movement to improve reaction and communication.
2) Midline Sprint (swim/track/field)
- Start athletes at the midline facing each other.
- Throw on a three count.
- Winner sprints to a target; loser holds or pursues to a safe line.
- Reset quickly; repeat for fixed rounds.
Goal: Faster starts and sharper focus under a cue.
3) Chase & Tag
- Mark a safe zone and tag line.
- Throw; winner runs to safety while loser attempts the tag.
- Rotate pairs; track wins per 60-second block.
Goal: Agility, acceleration, and decision speed.
4) Martial Arts Decision Insert
- Light spar 5 seconds → break → throw.
- Winner earns a single controlled entry (e.g., clean takedown setup).
- Reset; repeat with strict safety rules.
Goal: Timing, restraint, and tactical choices under structure.
Context Matters: Use RPS Where Rules Permit
Public incidents show why context is key. A Women’s Super League referee used RPS for a missing coin in 2018 and received a short suspension; NBA teammates have used it to pick a free throw shooter. Treat these as reminders to plan, follow rules, and choose proper contexts.
Best practice: Use RPS for warm-up orders and drill starts; use the coin (or required method) for official restarts.
WRPSA-Style Practice Quick Start
To form teams fast at a community session:
- Everyone lines up and throws on a three count.
- Papers move left, Rocks move right, Scissors stay; repeat once.
- Where groups cluster, that’s Team A/B/C; start drills immediately.
Note: “Suggestion” tricks (e.g., saying “Rock” softly) are for casual play only. Do not use them in official matches.
FAQs
Is RPS fair for team choices?
Yes, when cadence is synchronized and rules are clear. For formal events, follow the competition rulebook. Can RPS replace a coin toss?
Only if the rules allow it. Many sports require a coin for restarts. Always check first. How long should drills last?
Short sets (30–60 seconds) with frequent rotations keep intensity and focus high. What ages can use these?
All ages. Scale distances, pace, and contact rules to the group.
References & Further Reading
- WRPSA – Official Rules
- WRPSA – Strategy Guide
- The Guardian – WSL coin-toss incident
- BBC Sport – WSL incident report
- IFAB – Laws of the Game (Starts/Restarts)
- Scientific Reports – Human decision cycles in RPS
- WIRED – How to master RPS