In the intricate world of soccer, a player’s vision is paramount. It’s fascinating to delve deep into a study, which highlights how the eyes of defensive players can swiftly alternate focus between near and distant views. This blog post offers profound insights into the correlation between visual capabilities and on-field soccer positions.
Read more: Analyzing Visual Acuity: Soccer Players’ Eyes in ActionVision in Soccer: Why It Matters:
Everyday life and sport-specific situations often require our brains to make decisions based on sensory input. Among these, the eyes stand as pivotal instruments in gathering visual data. Notably, until recently, a significant gap existed in scientific research concerning vision in relation to soccer positions.
Premier League Players Under the Lens:
James W. Roberts from John Moores University, alongside his team, embarked on a research journey examining the visual functions of Premier League players. They utilized a cutting-edge tool, the Nike SPARQ Sensory Station, a large multifunctional screen, allowing athletes to perform various visual tests. These tests scrutinized visual clarity, contrast sensitivity, and the ability to switch attention from near to far distances.
Watch the Nike SPARQ Sensory Station in action!
The Revelations from the Study:
For their research, experts from the Liverpool John Moores University enlisted 49 elite male players from an English Premier League club and compared their data to that of 31 intermediate male players and 230 non-athletic individuals. The findings were enlightening:
- Competitive soccer players boasted significantly superior visual clarity, contrast sensitivity, and switching speed than non-athletes.
- There wasn’t a discernible difference in visual capabilities between elite and average players.
- Intriguingly, defensive players showcased faster near-to-far switching speeds than their attacking counterparts.
Interpreting the Results:
Such rapid switching might prove invaluable for defenders, given the necessity to frequently alter their attention amidst multiple opponents at varying distances. However, the researchers do caution that this study has limitations, emphasizing the need for further investigation to delineate the precise visual demands per player position.
Professor Bennett noted, “While these findings enrich the burgeoning evidence signifying the significance of impeccable vision in soccer, ensuing studies should pinpoint its direct relationship with on-field performances.”
Future of Visual Training in Soccer:
Given the evolution of technology, there’s increasing interest in tracking players’ eye movements. As of 2020, an array of digital tools, including VR and eye-tracking devices, are available. For instance, eye-tracking was employed in analyzing Ronaldo’s gameplay. This tool can notably aid in understanding what a player focuses on during a 1v1 situation with a goalkeeper.
Check out Ronaldo’s eye-tracking session here!
Wrapping Up:
These insights present coaches with a unique opportunity to tailor training sessions based on individual player needs, transforming the revelations from Professor Bennett’s research into actionable drills on the field. We at Sportbrain eagerly anticipate leveraging these tools in 2021.