EYES WIDE OPEN

How wide is your field of vision…and what does it matter, anyway? Peripheral vision is the range of vision at the extremes – right, left, up, down – while your eyes are focused forward. Loss of even a slight amount of peripheral vision can reduce your athletic ability before you physically begin to lose that ability. Don’t let this happen to you! Assuming your vision is without medical compromise, here is a simple drill that can be done at any time, anywhere, and should be done frequently every day.

Arms extended at shoulder height focus straight ahead looking between your palms. Continuing to focus straight ahead while moving your arms lateral.  Keep sight of your hands and stop your arm movement when you can no longer see them. Note the distance that it took to remove the hands from view.  Repeat until hands are at least direct lateral, as if you were standing against a wall and you could see your hands when they reach the wall.  While continued practice builds your peripheral vision ever so slightly, your reaction time will increase, giving you a valuable edge on the playing field.