Random timing is important for beating the competition

The ability of a footballer to outwit the goalkeeper depends in part on his ability to deliver the ball at an unpredictable time and location. Researchers have studied how we make sure such decisions are unpredictable, and found that the brain processes predictable and unpredictable components in different regions of the brain. This process ensures that we learn from experience, while still remaining spontaneous to get the competitive edge. Researchers set out to understand how the brain optimises the timing of actions to circumstance while retaining unpredictability. Readings were taken either in a region of the prefrontal cortex called MPFC, which is involved in decision-making learning, or in a region of the motor cortex, M2, thought to be involved in the direct control of movements.