Many patients who undergo Optometric Vision therapy notice that their abilities in sports change for the better. “I can see the ball better” or “My shots are going in more often!”
Athletic performance is dependent upon much more than just visual acuity. Natural, raw skills are always a plus but rarely are they ever enough. It is important to be able to track well and consistently when playing a game that has a ball. A player has to know where the ball is in space and where it is in relation to themselves. Judging the spin or rotation of the ball is also valuable to the athlete.
IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS
An athlete must also know how to get themselves in the proper position to catch the ball or be able to judge where it will bounce so that it can be fielded. They move to where the ball will be. The basketball player who can anticipate where his/her teammate will be in order to throw an accurate pass is said to have good “court sense.” What they have is excellent visual spatial judgment.
THE CHALLENGE AND REWARDS
A beginning athlete can learn these skills. An elite athlete can enhance them and give themselves an edge over the competition. A Sports vision therapy program is able to be adapted for a particular sport. Just ask Dr. Diane.