Spaniol, F., Temple, D., Ocker, L., Bonnette, R., Melrose, D, Monteiro, I.
Sport Science Research Laboratory Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between visual skills and volleyball performance of NCAA Division I volleyball players. Participants consisted of thirteen female NCAA Division I volleyball players (height 179.36 ± 7.73cm, age 18-25 years) who were evaluated for visual skills and performance during the 2008-2009 season. Visual skills were assessed using Vizual Edge Performance Trainer® (VEPT), a commercial software program designed to evaluate and train visual skills. Subjects were assessed for eye alignment, depth perception, convergence, divergence, visual recognition, and visual tracking. A composite score (final VEPT score) was also calculated for each subject. Volleyball performance was determined by end of season statistics, which included kills, kills per set, attack errors, hitting percentage, assists, assists per set, serve aces, serve aces per set, serve errors, reception errors, digs, digs per set, blocks solo, blocks assisted, total blocks, blocks per set, blocking errors, and ball-handling errors. Data analysis was performed by utilizing a correlation matrix to calculate correlation coefficients between the vision and performance variables. Statistical analysis indicated significant (p < 0.05) relationships between convergence percentage and attack percentage (r = 0.55), divergence station score and assists per set (r = 0.53), visual recognition percent correct and hitting percentage (r = 0.71), eye alignment and blocks per set (r = -0.56), visualrecognition response time and attack percentage (r = -0.74), and visual recognition percent correct and reception errors (r = – 0.57). The results of this study indicate that superior visual skills were highly related to superior volleyball performance statistics in several areas. Since visual skills appear to play a crucial role in volleyball performance, coaches may consider using programs such as VEPT to assess volleyball players.

 Study published in 2009.

Exercise, performance and sports-vision testing under more realistic testing conditions

• Fowler, K.F.,
• Du Toit, P.J.

 Results: An improvement in performance was observed by players exposed to the exercises. In the ‘number of catches’ test there was a meaningful improvement of 12%. A 22% improvement was observed in the number of successful catches (simultaneous ball- throwing) and an 8% and 3% improvement in the number of successful throws through a ring (accurate passing) to the left and right sides respectively.

Discussion & Conclusion: It is very important to measure hand-eye co-ordination alongside the standard measuring of cardiopulmonary and metabolic status to determine the athletic abilities of sporting individuals. Visual abilities can affect both motor skill and performance. This study proves that correct training programs and hand-eye co-ordination tests can vastly improve sporting performance. Athletes are advised to complete at least 15 minutes of sport-specific visual training during each day of practice. Publication details

Download	http://hdl.handle.net/2263/11649
Contributors	Creative Studios, Dept of Education Innovation, University of Pretoria
Repository	UPSpace at the University of Pretoria (South Africa)
Keywords	Hand-eye coordination, Performance, Rugby, Sport, Training, Vision
Type	Presentation
Language	English