"Keep Eye On Ball"
by Bob Hanscom
March 6, 2013 - Many years ago Hashim Khan said (and wrote) "Keep Eye On Ball." So...what does this actually mean?
Researchers have set out to determine whether recreational squash-players could improve their game through one of two approaches. Some were coached on individual swing technique, while others were instructed to gaze lazer-like at the ball when striking it.
The researchers hoped to learn - not only whether looking at the ball affects performance, but also whether where we look changes how we think and feel while moving to and striking the ball.
Back in elementary school gym class, most of us were taught to keep our eyes on the ball during sports. However, as adult squash-players, most of us have forgotten how to - or are just not thinking enough about doing it.
If you've ever paid real close attention to most of the professional squash-players when they make contact with the ball, you'll see, for just an instant, (during the follow-through) there is a delay in their head movement as they strike the ball before changing their focus to their desired target.
This phenomenon actually has a name. It's called "Quiet Eyes," which in simple terms means the ability to maintain a single focus, even as all other motor activity is taking place, i.e. movement, swing, follow-through, recovery, etc.
It has been less clear however, whether slightly "wandering eyes" really matters that much to those of us who are recreational players. Achieving "Quiet Eyes" is an attempt to get players to stop taking their eyes off the ball prematurely.
Having "Quiet Eyes" is not just about looking at the ball, it is about looking at the ball for a long-enough time for the brain to process the necessary information, focusing and "riveting" the eyes on the ball until it leaves the racket-strings.
Doing this allows the brain to process the information you have gathered, making it possible to get the ball where you want it to go, i.e to your desired target. "Quiet," focused eyes seems to encourage a "quiet," focused mind, which usually results in more accurate shot-making.
Of course, merely keeping your eyes on the ball won’t always result in not miss-hitting - or having the ball not reach its desired target. If you employ miserable technique, no amount of laser-like eye focus will accomplish your objective.
What is interesting is that having "Quiet Eyes" may contribute to - and allow the junior, adult recreational and/or novice squash-player with the rudimentary skills to progress more rapidly.
If you'd like to give this "Quiet Eyes" skill a try, the easiest way to begin is when serving, as you have more time, with no pressure on you - rather than starting with a mid-rally ground-stroke, with the ball moving quickly - or even more difficult, when attempting a volley, where the ball is falling...like a rock!
Take the advice of the great Hashim..."Keep Eye On Ball!"
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