Like most Raptor fans, I thought we had a huge opportunity to make it to the Finals, especially when the Milwaukee Bucks lost to the Miami Heat. The Raptors played their hearts out without giving up and clawed their way back into the series after losing two games and possibly a third until OG’s amazing shot at the end of the game with 0.5 seconds left!
As an Optometrist who specializes in Sports Vision Training, I can’t help but wonder how the Raptor’s visual skills were during game 7. Eye-hand (most will say hand-eye) coordination is something we talk about, but do we really know what it means? It means that our eyes tell our bodies what to do, such as how to shoot the ball depending on your visual estimation of your shot. All of those missed shots could have been improved with better vision.
Boston had really good defense, but what else causes miscommunication of plays which leads to a turnover? Court sense is a combination of vision perception, visual memory and peripheral vision. Any of these visual factors not properly working will result in poor play judgement or poor sports IQ.
I know the players will be going home and spending their off-season training to be better for the next season. Nutrition, strength training, reviewing game tapes and perfecting their shots/moves will take place. However, will the players work on their visual skills to help them improve their shots and play-making decisions? I hope sports vision training will be a part of their training program as I hope for another opportunity for a championship run!
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Written By: Dr. Fabian Tai
Image Credit: Joshua Chua on Unsplash