Did you know that 80% of what we learn comes through our eyes? For young athletes, this means vision plays a huge role in reaction time, hand-eye coordination and decision-making on the field. If your child loves sports, improving their vision skills can give them an advantage on the field. Good vision is essential for athletes of all ages, whether they’re in competitive leagues or just playing for fun.
Improving your child’s vision isn’t just about making the team; it’s about boosting their overall confidence and performance. Good vision skills help athletes stay focused, react quickly and make smart decisions under pressure. For example, a soccer goalie needs to track a fast-moving ball, and a basketball player must spot open teammates. Not to mention, training your child’s eyes can also help with schoolwork and make daily life easier, showing that strong vision is useful in many areas.
6 Vision Skills to Practice
Sure, hours of practice are essential, but what about training your child’s eyes? Vision skills are a secret weapon for athletes, helping them react faster, aim better and stay more aware of their surroundings. Here are six key vision skills to practice:
- Depth Perception: Have your child practice throwing and catching at varying distances. Use targets like hula hoops to help them judge distances better.
- Dynamic Vision: Set up drills where your child tracks moving objects, such as a rolling ball or a frisbee. Encourage them to focus on the object as it moves quickly.
- Focusing Regulation: Create a game where your child switches focus between near and far objects. For instance, have them look at a nearby ball, then quickly at a distant tree.
- Peripheral Vision: Play games like “shadows” where your child must keep their eyes on a moving object while also being aware of other players around them.
- Vision Focusing: Use drills that involve spotting multiple targets in quick succession, such as hitting different cones arranged at various distances.
- Vision Tracking: Set up a batting practice where your child swings at pitched balls. Focus on their ability to track the ball from the pitcher’s hand to the plate.
Adding these activities to your child’s practice routine can improve their sports skills and make training enjoyable!
Signs Your Child May Need Their Vision Checked
If your child struggles with sports despite practice, it could be a vision issue. Look for signs like:
- Squinting or tilting their head when focusing
- Frequently losing track of the ball
- Difficulty estimating distances
Consider scheduling an eye exam to ensure their vision is in good health.
This blog was written in collaboration with Dr. John Lahr, medical director at EyeMed Vision Care which administers Delta Dental of Arizona’s DeltaVision plans. Dr. Lahr has 50 years of experience in eye care delivery and vision care.
