Great advice. I've worked with so many players for over 20 years, and I've never heard of this before. And since I don't have this problem I didn't understand why ppl suck at ball tracking. You should have added focus shifting as well though, just a thought 😊
Thanks. It's one of those things people take for granted, but when you start assessing players you see that there are so many that can't smoothly follow a slow moving target in a controlled environment. Which means it's pretty much impossible to track a ball moving at different speeds, while dealing with the demands in tennis.
do you recommend doing these drills before a match? I'm not sure I'd do this as my eye muscles feel tired running through these the first time. One of the best hitters in baseball in the 90's used to do these eye exercises/drills, Edgar Martinez, so I know the work will pay off. what's funny is I've been told no one wants to pull me wide to the forehand because I rip that shot, now I know it's because I am so focused on the ball and not watching my opponents movement and other visual distractions. Expecting great results. Thanks for the instruction.
Your videos are great, and I'm learning so much. I have a son who has been playing tennis since he was 7 years old and now he just turned 13. I knew his eye and hand coordination needs improvement so I tried these visual exercises with him. To my surprise, he's unable to follow the target with his eyes without moving his head. In the smooth pursuit exercise, his eyes is unable to track the object from center to left. I tried all the different directions, same result. His eyes would jump back and fort and all over the place. They would not follow the target. He is trying is best but he simply can't do it. Similar with the other visual exercises, he can't do them. Question: is there something easier he can do to help him build up to these exercises ?
If your son is struggling with smooth pursuits, then it tells you the parts of his brain that controls those movements are working as optimally as they need to. The drills in the free program are in their most basic form. The only way to make them easier would be to try one eye a time. Or if you are doing them standing up, then you could try sitting or lying down to see if that helps. If things don't change by working on them, then I would recommend getting him evaluated propperly.
I am starting a 21 day regimen where I'll incorporate this visual training every day for three weeks. Week 1 I'll start with 5 reps/day. By week 3 I'll be up to 15 reps/day for each of the four exercises. I will check back in three weeks to post my observations. Stay tuned.
Okay, it took 4 weeks and here are my results. I did each 4 of the training exercises daily, 5 reps each. Immediately, I started to pick up the ball much sooner. Better tracking translated more to better volleys (much better) than actual ground strokes, initially. Although, on my groundies I did notice slightly better contact. In rallies, I would say before the vision exercises, my clean contact and timing on 10 balls was 3-4 out of 10, post vision exercises I improved that to 5-6 out of 10. Week2 was more of the same with minor improvement in ground stroke contact, positioning and spacing. Week3, I started to realize that while seeing the ball better, my spacing before was too far away from the ball. Let me explain: I used to get jammed a lot. To correct that I 'consciously' tried to give myself more space. Since that was a conscious or controlled effort, my timing suffered greatly. What I noticed late in Week3 is that seeing the ball better resulted in better anticipation skills. And, that it was okay for me to be closer to the ball - I trusted my vision here, or put trust into what my brain was processing in concert with my visual system. I actually generated a more consistent ball flight and greatly improved my percentage of center hits. In Week4 I was starting to swing more confidently. Since I was 'expecting' good contact I just trusted my vision and let the entire swing (forehand and backhand) just flow, not trying to control or think about contact. In closing I would like to suggest that improved vision, via training, provided the necessary feedback that allowed me to find the ball better, receive the ball better, prove to myself that my spacing is good, all resulting in much more consistent contact. Consistent contact then enabled me to play more free. I am now doing things intuitively correct. Things like balance, steady head, uninhibited follow through etc... I am now at a point where almost immediately after making contact I am trying to recover and get in position for the next incoming ball. I don't get concerned about the result of the shot because I am making more and more balls. Now, I expect to make the shot where as before I was always doubting the flight, spin and direction of my shot due to very inconsistent contact. I am playing better, getting to more balls in-time, and having so much more fun with this sport. I will continue the vision training exercises as they only take about 5 minutes/day to complete. My preferred time for the vision exercises is about an hour before I step on court.
It seems this should be easy, but I've been working on watching the ball for 48 years, and still haven't mastered the skill. I think I look in the direction of the ball, but rarely actually track it with focus. In fact, on those rare occasions when I really do track the ball onto (or near) the strings it amazes me how much better I strike the ball. I know I have poor depth perception, and really struggle in poor light conditions, but I believe my failure to watch the ball is mostly a failure of concentration. Going to give these drills a try. Thanks for the guidance.
I have monovision. The left eye is for near sightedness and the right eye for far sight. I am right eye dominant so incoming balls to my left are a challenge. Any recommendations for improvement?
Apologies for the slow reply. Surgically generated monovision definitely creates a lot of challenges, because normally both images are the same (ideally) and the brains uses that to create accurate 3D vision. My approach would be to assess for deficits eye movements etc. And work on correcting them. The drills in this video are a good place to start as far as generalized training goes. But it's ways better to assess.
Yes definitely. A lot of children have visual deficits, which they have to try and compensate for. Vision training can help to address that. But even if there isn’t a specific issue, it just helps to improve faster 😀
Sport vision training needs to be ecological that is representative of actions on the court. No player move his eyes one his head alone but move both in a synergic fashion. Therefore to be relevant eye tracking training needs to incorporate both. The training recommended is too far from the situation on court,hence transfer is unlikely to happen.
I'm very sorry, but I disagree. I've personally seen huge improvements doing it this way. Have overseen seen hundreds other players improving things this way. Playing tennis is the most specific form of vision training you can do. But a lot of players can't track the ball well despite years of trying. This is because racking a ball is a very complex skill involving interaction between the visual, vestibular and proprioceptive systems (and interceptive, but we don't need to complicate it more here). A lot of players have small deficits on each of these systems, which is why they can't perform the integrate skill of ball tracking. By breaking the skills down and improving function in each skill. It then enables you to integrate more effectively and perform the complex skill better. Then obviously you make the training more complex as required. Think about it like any other training. The most specific for of movement training for tennis is playing tennis. But all professional tennis players do strength work in the gym. Because we know there is a carry over on to the court.
Okay then Doctor, what do you suggest (provide examples)? Most likely you have none. It's kind of like criticizing someone's driving ability by comparing them to an F1 driver's skill. In other words, a normal person can improve their driving skills by consistently performing certain exercises. Will they develop the skills necessary to drive a F1 car? NO Will they become a better driver? YES What exactly is your point, Doc?
Just watch the recommended training following a target in 8🎉 directions. This not training it is a test used by optometrists not using equipment call motility test invented about 100 years ago. It is a very basic test to detect significant extra ocular muscle imbalance anyone with normal binocular vision will not benefit from doing this exercise for life in general or when playing tennis.
Again, I'm very sorry I disagree. Having done eye movement screens with players for 9 years as well as various assessments for binocular vision, it's rare to find people with out deficits observable to the eye. That being said, even people without obvious deficits in eye movements can still benefit from eye movement training. Just like people who already run well, can still improve their running with training!!! There are also 2 different types of exercise in the video to train the vestibular system. The vestibular system is massively important in tennis. Small deficits are one the big reasons players can't track the ball. And, in my experience, often an underlying contributor to back and neck issues. I'm not sure why you feel the need to try and put people off doing something that has the potential to help them? I'm also presuming you haven't actually done any consistent eye movement and vestibular training yourself. Why not try it consistently for a month and then report back on what happens?
ABILITY AMPLIFIER MASTERCLASS - tennishacker.krtra.com/t/sBVvnCeZq3a4
Such an underestimated problem amongst adult players. Can’t track better can’t improve. Bravo!
Bel exercice . Je comprends que le tennis améliore la vue , c'est un sport complet .Les professionnels font ces exercices Hats off to u guy
your content is so unique from other youtube coaches. Thank you for the guidance and coaching.
Great way of explaining what to do! Especially peripheral vision!
I am a tennis coach in Bangalore and will use these tracking exercises.
Great advice. I've worked with so many players for over 20 years, and I've never heard of this before. And since I don't have this problem I didn't understand why ppl suck at ball tracking.
You should have added focus shifting as well though, just a thought 😊
Thanks. It's one of those things people take for granted, but when you start assessing players you see that there are so many that can't smoothly follow a slow moving target in a controlled environment. Which means it's pretty much impossible to track a ball moving at different speeds, while dealing with the demands in tennis.
Thanks Richard for this démonstration.
I’m Happy to start this program.
do you recommend doing these drills before a match? I'm not sure I'd do this as my eye muscles feel tired running through these the first time. One of the best hitters in baseball in the 90's used to do these eye exercises/drills, Edgar Martinez, so I know the work will pay off. what's funny is I've been told no one wants to pull me wide to the forehand because I rip that shot, now I know it's because I am so focused on the ball and not watching my opponents movement and other visual distractions. Expecting great results. Thanks for the instruction.
Love it! Thanks!
GRACIAS !!
TOP! Interesting!
Great video as always :) 🤩
exercises at 5:20
Your videos are great, and I'm learning so much. I have a son who has been playing tennis since he was 7 years old and now he just turned 13. I knew his eye and hand coordination needs improvement so I tried these visual exercises with him. To my surprise, he's unable to follow the target with his eyes without moving his head. In the smooth pursuit exercise, his eyes is unable to track the object from center to left. I tried all the different directions, same result. His eyes would jump back and fort and all over the place. They would not follow the target. He is trying is best but he simply can't do it. Similar with the other visual exercises, he can't do them. Question: is there something easier he can do to help him build up to these exercises ?
If your son is struggling with smooth pursuits, then it tells you the parts of his brain that controls those movements are working as optimally as they need to.
The drills in the free program are in their most basic form. The only way to make them easier would be to try one eye a time. Or if you are doing them standing up, then you could try sitting or lying down to see if that helps.
If things don't change by working on them, then I would recommend getting him evaluated propperly.
I am starting a 21 day regimen where I'll incorporate this visual training every day for three weeks. Week 1 I'll start with 5 reps/day. By week 3 I'll be up to 15 reps/day for each of the four exercises. I will check back in three weeks to post my observations. Stay tuned.
I look look forward to your upadate!
Okay, it took 4 weeks and here are my results. I did each 4 of the training exercises daily, 5 reps each. Immediately, I started to pick up the ball much sooner. Better tracking translated more to better volleys (much better) than actual ground strokes, initially. Although, on my groundies I did notice slightly better contact. In rallies, I would say before the vision exercises, my clean contact and timing on 10 balls was 3-4 out of 10, post vision exercises I improved that to 5-6 out of 10. Week2 was more of the same with minor improvement in ground stroke contact, positioning and spacing. Week3, I started to realize that while seeing the ball better, my spacing before was too far away from the ball. Let me explain: I used to get jammed a lot. To correct that I 'consciously' tried to give myself more space. Since that was a conscious or controlled effort, my timing suffered greatly. What I noticed late in Week3 is that seeing the ball better resulted in better anticipation skills. And, that it was okay for me to be closer to the ball - I trusted my vision here, or put trust into what my brain was processing in concert with my visual system. I actually generated a more consistent ball flight and greatly improved my percentage of center hits. In Week4 I was starting to swing more confidently. Since I was 'expecting' good contact I just trusted my vision and let the entire swing (forehand and backhand) just flow, not trying to control or think about contact.
In closing I would like to suggest that improved vision, via training, provided the necessary feedback that allowed me to find the ball better, receive the ball better, prove to myself that my spacing is good, all resulting in much more consistent contact. Consistent contact then enabled me to play more free. I am now doing things intuitively correct. Things like balance, steady head, uninhibited follow through etc... I am now at a point where almost immediately after making contact I am trying to recover and get in position for the next incoming ball. I don't get concerned about the result of the shot because I am making more and more balls. Now, I expect to make the shot where as before I was always doubting the flight, spin and direction of my shot due to very inconsistent contact. I am playing better, getting to more balls in-time, and having so much more fun with this sport.
I will continue the vision training exercises as they only take about 5 minutes/day to complete. My preferred time for the vision exercises is about an hour before I step on court.
Is tracking ball on the return of serve different ? The ball come from a high point and goes fast and sometimes stay low
It seems this should be easy, but I've been working on watching the ball for 48 years, and still haven't mastered the skill. I think I look in the direction of the ball, but rarely actually track it with focus. In fact, on those rare occasions when I really do track the ball onto (or near) the strings it amazes me how much better I strike the ball. I know I have poor depth perception, and really struggle in poor light conditions, but I believe my failure to watch the ball is mostly a failure of concentration.
Going to give these drills a try. Thanks for the guidance.
Read Vic Braden book Tennis for the future
Keep the head still Vic Braden style
Compliments 🍀👍🍀
I dint think anyone tried to NOT look at the ball before. So great advice: stop looking at other things, look at the ball……… right
How many reps for each?
Bro, how did you grow massive calves like that? I need
Hahahaha.
Can this be done by watching a TH-cam video on my phone, moving the phone around? A more entertaining alternative to a stick
Sort of, but watching a whole screen won't give the same visual fixation point. So yes and no.
I have monovision. The left eye is for near sightedness and the right eye for far sight. I am right eye dominant so incoming balls to my left are a challenge. Any recommendations for improvement?
Apologies for the slow reply. Surgically generated monovision definitely creates a lot of challenges, because normally both images are the same (ideally) and the brains uses that to create accurate 3D vision.
My approach would be to assess for deficits eye movements etc. And work on correcting them. The drills in this video are a good place to start as far as generalized training goes. But it's ways better to assess.
Is it wise to attempt such training on a 10 yr old kid? Thanks!
Yes definitely. A lot of children have visual deficits, which they have to try and compensate for. Vision training can help to address that.
But even if there isn’t a specific issue, it just helps to improve faster 😀
ROFTL pure bro science
👍👍👏
Ability to track, predict, spacing, processing it all in a timely manner is an issue.
It’s one if the most important parts of the game for sure.
Sport vision training needs to be ecological that is representative of actions on the court. No player move his eyes one his head alone but move both in a synergic fashion. Therefore to be relevant eye tracking training needs to incorporate both. The training recommended is too far from the situation on court,hence transfer is unlikely to happen.
I'm very sorry, but I disagree. I've personally seen huge improvements doing it this way. Have overseen seen hundreds other players improving things this way.
Playing tennis is the most specific form of vision training you can do. But a lot of players can't track the ball well despite years of trying. This is because racking a ball is a very complex skill involving interaction between the visual, vestibular and proprioceptive systems (and interceptive, but we don't need to complicate it more here). A lot of players have small deficits on each of these systems, which is why they can't perform the integrate skill of ball tracking.
By breaking the skills down and improving function in each skill. It then enables you to integrate more effectively and perform the complex skill better. Then obviously you make the training more complex as required.
Think about it like any other training. The most specific for of movement training for tennis is playing tennis. But all professional tennis players do strength work in the gym. Because we know there is a carry over on to the court.
Okay then Doctor, what do you suggest (provide examples)? Most likely you have none.
It's kind of like criticizing someone's driving ability by comparing them to an F1 driver's skill. In other words, a normal person can improve their driving skills by consistently performing certain exercises. Will they develop the skills necessary to drive a F1 car? NO Will they become a better driver? YES
What exactly is your point, Doc?
Wowwwww
Hopefully these drills will improve my pickleball.
Do you have to pay to subscribe?
No 😀
Just watch the recommended training following a target in 8🎉 directions. This not training it is a test used by optometrists not using equipment call motility test invented about 100 years ago. It is a very basic test to detect significant extra ocular muscle imbalance anyone with normal binocular vision will not benefit from doing this exercise for life in general or when playing tennis.
Again, I'm very sorry I disagree. Having done eye movement screens with players for 9 years as well as various assessments for binocular vision, it's rare to find people with out deficits observable to the eye.
That being said, even people without obvious deficits in eye movements can still benefit from eye movement training. Just like people who already run well, can still improve their running with training!!!
There are also 2 different types of exercise in the video to train the vestibular system. The vestibular system is massively important in tennis. Small deficits are one the big reasons players can't track the ball. And, in my experience, often an underlying contributor to back and neck issues.
I'm not sure why you feel the need to try and put people off doing something that has the potential to help them?
I'm also presuming you haven't actually done any consistent eye movement and vestibular training yourself. Why not try it consistently for a month and then report back on what happens?
Now Doc is trolling. @TennisHacker , please ignore this annoying troll. You are doing great work, keep it up. Love your vids.