Tobias JunkerThere are quite a few different vision skills that can be trained. Here is a list of these skills as well as a brief description and explanation of what each skill involves.
Dynamic Visual Acuity
Basically this skill allows you to see objects clearly while in motion or while they are moving quickly. In other words, the skill that allows a batter to see a pitched ball or a fielder to see a ground ball or line drive clearly as the ball is in motion.
Some people have 20/20 acuity when sitting still and reading an eye chart. But add motion to that mix and acuity could be worse. Sports vision specialists use several creative tests for this, including computer programs that show objects or words moving fast across the screen, which must be identified before they disappear.
Eye Focusing or Focus Flexibility
Sometimes referred to as focus change, this skill involves the ability to change focus from a faraway object to a near one, or vice versa. Also described as changing focus quickly and accurately from one distance to another. One way to test this skill is to use a video or hologram display and name or read objects or sentences that suddenly appear far off and near.
Peripheral Vision or Peripheral Awareness
This vision skill (as said in active.com article) involves seeing people and objects “out of the corner of your eye” while concentrating on a fixed point. It is the ability to perceive what’s going on at either side of you without turning your head. Peripheral vision also involves the ability to use visual information perceived from over a large area.
Fusion Flexibility and Stamina
This skills may also be referred to as binocularity. It is the ability to keep both eyes working together even under high speed, physically stressful situations. It’s when athletes use both eyes together, smoothly, equally, simultaneously and accurately.
Depth Perception
This is the ability to quickly and accurately judge the distance and speed of an object. It also involves judging relative distances of objects and seeing and moving accurately in the three dimensional space. This is one of the vision skills softball players use when hitting a ball.
Eye Tracking
Eye Tracking is the ability to follow a moving object smoothly and accurately with both eyes, such as a ball in flight. It is the ability to “keep your eye on the ball,” no matter how fast it’s moving. As you can see on this tip as well.
Fixation
Fixation is the ability to quickly and accurately locate and inspect, with both eyes, a series of stationary objects, one after another. An example of this is moving from word to word while reading. Softball players can use this skill when scanning the defense before stepping into the batter’s box.
Visualization
You’ve probably heard of this skill before. It involves picturing events with your “mind’s eye” or imagination. It’s believed that when you visualize yourself performing a particular activity, your brain doesn’t know the difference between actually performing the activity or simply visualizing. As far as your brain is concerned imagining it is the same as doing it. Visualization can boost confidence and provide greater focus on your softball goals.
