SportsVision: training for better performance

by Thomas A. Wilson and Jeff Falkel

Human Kinetics, 2005

184 pages

RRP $45.10 (including GST)

Coaches and sports practitioners are always seeking new and innovative ways to enhance the performance of their athletes. In SportsVision: training for better performance, Thomas Wilson and Jeff Falkel provide a number of practical training activities that have been specifically designed to enhance an athlete’s visual skills. Thomas Wilson is a trained optometrist and member of the Sports Vision section of the American Optometric Association, while Jeff Falkel is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and sports medicine professional. Using their knowledge of the visual system and the principles of exercise science, the authors have designed a user-friendly resource suitable for coaches and athletes in a range of different sports.

The initial sections of the book briefly describe the basic anatomy and physiology of the visual system and explain the various components that may be amenable to training. There is also a series of tests that could be used to identify deficiencies in visual functioning, although it is also advisable to obtain an assessment from a qualified optometrist. The latter sections provide a more detailed explanation of the ways in which sports vision training can be implemented, as well as 50 practical activities to improve skills such as hand–eye coordination and visual focus. Each exercise is explained using simple, step-by-step instructions with a number of suggested variations to increase the degree of difficulty once athletes reach a more advanced level of proficiency. The final section includes details of a number of training programs specifically designed for 17 different sports.

The sports vision training activities described in the book may have the greatest impact on individuals with some form of visual deficiency. The training activities could also be used as an enjoyable way to add some variation to the normal practice routine, or simply to encourage athletes to focus their attention. Consultation and assessment by a qualified optometrist is also advisable.