A NIKE rep was in the clubhouse this morning testing a new training device, called Strobe-Spex, which is designed to improve concentration.
The device looks like a pair of over-sized sunglasses, but they are wired to black out at certain intervals. A ball is tossed to the player who can see it clearly, then the image is blacked out, then the image is seen again. The speed and frequency of the black outs can be programmed.
I tried it on the slow speed, which is the hardest because the image is blacked out for the longest period of time. I could pick up the ball as it left his hand, then I couldn’t see anything. When the image reappeared the ball was right on me.
The drill isn’t designed to improve eyesight, but to improve your focus and concentration. The NIKE rep said he hopes to all MLB teams will have it by May.
10 Comments
Wow.
that is so cool. I could use that for other things..
Speaking of tools, are the Mets on the iPod craze I read about? You know download everything you have on the opposing pitcher or the hitters on the other team.
Dave
John,
This is a great blog! No one else hands out all these interesting tidbit. Keep it coming.
will it teach players to move the hell out of the way ofa ball. I have never seen so many HBP in the game. Move!
Cute toy if it does what its supposed to do. ;-]
Is this used with an actual thrown ball? or is it in connection with some video? I could see this being useful while watching video of a pitcher, but not facing live pitching as that would be dangerous.
There was a pretty interesting article in the PLAY section of the Sunday New York Times about how to create a world class athlete. The most important thing is repetition. The neurons that are involved in any task become more efficient as you do something over and over again. They said that the reason that so many major league players come from the Dominican Republic is that MLB set up baseball academies there in the 70s. The students were drilled over and over on proper technique every day hours per day from a very young age. Just playing a lot is not enough.
I wonder if this device could do the same thing for the neurons involved in concentration. If you do this for like 30 mins per day after a while the neurons involved in concentration should become extraordinarily efficient.
To Nate W and Taylor (RE: Device)
A thrown ball is used. I stood about seven feet from the NIKE rep and he tossed the ball underhand. He said the ball could be thrown faster. They have to start out soft and then get faster. He said hitters could be pitched to with this, but it can’t be full speed. There is too much of danger factor.
In response to what Taylor mentioned, for this to work the athlete has to use this for an extended period on a daily basis. Repetition is the key to all this. That’s the only way you are able to train the brain to focus.
Ya know, not me. i wouldnt use that thing on a bet.
Taylor,
I think they take it more seriously there and are more determined. Also here we do not play anymore.
There are not that many fields for kids to play in the city. Does anybody play stickball in bklyn anymore? Willie Mays did..
Dave
in the school yards i am sure..