If you know a student-athlete who'd like to take his or her game to the next level, check out the Basketball IntelliGym from ACE (Applied Cognitive Engineering).

A computer program that looks and plays like a video game may not seem like a big deal, but the Basketball IntelliGym is actually a sophisticated program based on similar systems used to train fighter pilots. In this case, the training focuses on basketball, and tests have shown that 30 minutes of playing two or three times a week can improve mental quickness, real-time decision making, concentration, team play, response time and an understanding of the "big picture" on the court.

The Basketball IntelliGym works by exercising the brain in a way that simulates the quick thinking and fast decisions required in a game setting. These brain exercises are known as cognitive training and are designed to improve core abilities, such as coordination, attention span, control, peripheral vision, perception and more. The more the Basketball IntelliGym is played, the more advanced the sessions become. During our tests, we found that as few as eight and as many as ten training sessions were needed to see on-court improvement.

There's some interesting theory behind the Basketball IntelliGym. Researchers mapped brain skills required in basketball and then designed a system to stimulate the same skill set. Thus, athletes can use the same brain skills as they would in an actual game. It makes sense, as athletes have used mental imaging for years. However, the ACE Basketball IntelliGym makes it easy for older children and teenagers to do the same.


Pros: Produces results after about ten sessions
Cons: Not Mac-compatible

Warranty
1 year, limited