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TRAINING TOOLS A few inexpensive sports vision training tools designed to enhance baseball performance by Sandra Niles
"Kids must see their best to play their best," says Dana Beards, community relations manager for VSP (Vision Service Plan), the largest vision benefits provider in the United States. Beards is the writer and producer of an innovative new baseball sports vision video launched by VSP last Spring. The Get Focused Sports Vision Video features a series of baseball drills that challenge kids' visual awareness and emphasizes the importance of vision care at an early age. "Every ballplayer knows that a quick swing, a sure glove and a strong arm are important assets on the baseball field," says Beards. "Even more important is good eyesight. In fact, good eyesight—and eyecare—is key for any young player who wants to be at the top of his or her game." VSP's sports vision video provides coaches, parents and teachers with tools to help young ballplayers, ages 5 to 18, sharpen their skills while learning about the overall importance of eyecare. The straightforward drills demonstrated on the video require only inexpensive household products or sporting goods, and can easily be incorporated into sport practices or physical education classes. "Baseball players often think that they only need to practice hitting, pitching or catching," says VSP eyecare specialist and sports vision optometrist Dr. Ron Reynolds, who is featured on the video. "Of course, these skills are helpful, but without good eyesight, children can't perform to their full potential—both on and off the field." "The drills provide kids with a fun alternative to a typical baseball practice and reinforce the need for healthy eyes when playing sports," says Beards. "When kids learn about the importance of vision, they carry that knowledge to other parts of their lives." "Healthy vision is essential at the ballpark, but seeing clearly is just as important for kids in the classroom and at home," says Reynolds. "VSP's vision drills are helpful for every child, whether they like to watch from the stands or dream of going pro." Brock String Drill The brock string drill, shown on the video, is a classic sports vision drill. "The drill is particularly useful for developing the eye muscle control that is needed to focus on the ball from the pitcher's hand to the plate," says Beards. The set up. Fasten one end of the string to the fence or any convenient object at the player's eye level. The athlete holds the other end of the string between their thumb and forefinger just below their nose. The string should be stretched tightly so that it extends from the player's nose to its fastened end in a straight line. Procedure. The player looks at the nearest bead and should see what looks like two strings emerging from the side of the bead and forming an upside-down "V". This is the expected result. As focus is shifted from one bead to another, the "V" should also shift to the new bead. If the player sees only one string, it's an indication that they're suppressing vision in one eye. Marsden Ball Drill The Marsden ball drill helps players to focus and concentrate on the ball. "By focusing on the small numbers or circles on the ball, players can train their eyes to see details like the laces, the spin and the type of pitch," says Reynolds. "Zeroing in on the small details, also makes the ball appear much larger when it is actually pitched." The set-up. The player sets up at the plate with or without a bat, but does not swing. The coach stands in front of the player and rocks the Marsden ball back-and-forth through different areas of the strike zone—center, high outside, low outside, low inside, high inside. Procedure. Without moving their head, the player must zero in and focus on the baseball moving only the eyes. Once the player is comfortable and using the proper technique, they should call out the numbers, letters or colored circles written on the ball. Soft Toss Drill The use of plastic practice golf balls trains players to focus their eyes on a target that is smaller than a baseball or softball, thereby improving eye-hand coordination. The drill is also a recognition-reaction exercise requiring the player to visually pick up a moving object, process what it is, and react quickly to the information. "Great hitters do this better than average hitters," says Beards, "and average hitters do it better than poor hitters." The set-up. The coach kneels to the side of the player and, hiding the color of the ball until the moment of release, tosses random colored balls into the player's strike zone. Younger players should use a lighter plastic bat. The heavier the bat, the more difficult the drill. Procedure. The player assumes a batting stance at the plate. When the ball tossed is colored, the player should hold up on their swing. When the ball tossed is white, the player should swing and try to hit the ball. Conclusion The VSP sports vision video demonstrates five baseball drills, including the brock string, Marsden ball and soft toss drills, designed to sharpen the visual skills and the visual awareness of young baseball and softball players. In the video, Reynolds provides expert commentary along with Lenn Sakata, manager of the class "A" San Jose Giants and a former major league player. To view the production on-line, please visit www.getfocusedamerica.org Sandra Niles is a researcher and staff writer for SportsVision Magazine. She may be reached by email at: info@sportsvisionmagazine.com |
