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Health & Fitness

Why Visual Training is Important in Baseball

Tony Abbatine shares the importance of visual training in baseball.

Teams can run drill after drill, but there is one aspect of trading that it often overlooked. Vision training is imperative for baseball players-especially pitchers. With balls flying at over 80 mph and trying to field as cleanly as possible, a player’s eyes is their most valuable asset. Their vision must be focused and completely under control, which is why it is so important that players have visual training.

Baseball players improve their outward vision and internal vision skills have excelled to new levels. Many eye doctors who work with major league baseball players test and correct visual acuity. They will train seven muscles in the eye for drills and improve the visual processing of a player. This helps the player train the communication between their eyes and their brain. When trained properly, they can improve their reaction time when throwing or hitting a ball.

Unlike strength or endurance training, visual train will show results within 15 minutes of an ocular workout. Many of the ocular workouts given to players will be performed during their usual training and can take up to no time at all. For example, some players will wear strobe glasses that will blink cloudy and clear while running sprints or other drills. The results of their vision while running the drills are then uploaded to a computer program that will asses their vision and improve their efficiency.

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The focus and efficiency of a player’s vision is a huge advantage in baseball. Coaches have already incorporated visual training for evaluation and training processes. They are now hoping to be able to use visual training for injury prevention as well. It’s well-known that a pitcher is at a huge risk of getting hit by a foul ball. Many aren’t fast enough to put their glove up in time and get seriously injured. By working on their visual training, they can fiercely improve their reaction time and catch the ball in time instead of breaking their jaw.

To improve visual focus and reaction time, baseball player must take care of their visions. Visual training is important for every player on the field, no matter what position he may play. It helps with visual efficiency and a player’s reaction time. This can lead to improved batting performance and be used for injury prevention. Coaches and players who have taken advantage of the ocular workouts and programs have seen a tremendous outcome.

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