Training eyes

[Hedges]

Apologies if this has been discussed before; if so, please refer me to the thread.

I've been away from the game for a long time. Aside from the first month of sore muscles, weak rotator cuff, etc...the biggest challenge for me is my eyes.

I don't see the ball like I did in my younger years. This is really only a problem when playing with college kids (really hard hitters). My vision isn't that bad...it's just that I can't follow these fast moving balls anymore....especially indoors.

Can anyone suggest exercises for retraining the eyes to see the ball?

One suggestion I've heard is to use the ball machine to fire balls past you with various spin. Instead of hitting the balls, just try to read the writing on the balls and to identify the type of spin.

I've never liked wearing glasses when I play...but perhaps it's time? :-(

Thanks,
Hedges

 

[papa]

Yup, "Father Time" creates problems - especially for indoor tennis players. If you can get by without the specs I would NOT start wearing them just to get "style" points. However, lots of very good players wear glasses or contacts so you won't be alone.

When and if you decide to use glasses be careful about the frames - assume they are going to be broken at some time and you don't want metal being driven into your eyes. Most lenses are made with safety glass but its not a bad idea to check.