Quarterbacks (QBs) work hard to increase their physical strength but often don’t realize that improving their visual skills can also improve their effectiveness on the field.
In addition to having a powerful throwing arm, quarterbacks must be able to precisely judge distances and the speeds of other players. They need to be aware of everyone and everything around them, as well as every player's specific location and course of movement — all while following the ball.
Visual skills like accurate peripheral vision and split-second reaction time are crucial to a quarterback’s success. Sports vision training provides the foundation for these abilities and allows players to be the best athletes they can be.
Contact Dr. Joshua Watt to see how sports vision training can help you improve your game.
Which Visual Skills Can Sports Vision Training Improve?
Here are examples of how a quarterback depends on visual skills.
Eye Focusing
QBs need to be able to sustain sharp focus and to shift their eyes and focus rapidly and precisely to judge the exact position of the tight end as the linebackers close the space.
Depth Perception
The quarterback’s ability to accurately judge the position of his receivers sprinting full speed into the end zone depends on sharp and precise depth perception.
Peripheral Vision
All eyes are on the quarterback in possession of the ball, but it’s just as important for the quarterback to keep track of the defensive players as they attempt a sack. QBs with good peripheral vision can see where all the defenders are at any given time.
Visual Reaction Time
Visual reaction time is the speed with which a quarterback's brain analyzes and reacts to the opponent's actions. A QB’s next move will be determined by how quickly and well their brain integrates visual and motor functions.
Gross-Visual Motor Integration
While on the move, a quarterback needs to analyze all of the information the eyes are transmitting, and act on it quickly. This requires a high level of coordination between the QB’s brain, eyes and body. The more the quarterback’s vision and movement are synchronized, the more successful the plays will be.
All of this takes a matter of seconds. With good visual skills, a quarterback can make that play seem flawless.
Enhancing the Performance of a Quarterback
We offer sports vision training to help all kinds of athletes achieve their goals and take their game to the next level. A functional eye exam will evaluate visual skills, after which we can create a personalized sports vision training program.
At Impact Vision Therapy, we help players be the athletes they know they can be. We offer sports vision training to patients from Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Castle Pines, and Parker, Colorado and surrounding communities.
Q: What is sports vision training?
- A: Sports vision training is a custom-made program that improves coordination between your brain, eyes and body while playing sports. Through a series of eye exercises and techniques, it helps athletes react faster and more accurately to what they see on the field.
Q: Who can benefit from sports vision training?
- A: Whether you’re a quarterback or a linebacker, an avid baseball or hockey player, sports vision training is perfect for athletes of any age and ability seeking to improve their sports performance.