The Effect of Stroboscopic Training on the Ability to Catch and Field

Across a wide variety of sports, our visual abilities have been proven to profoundly impact performance. Numerous studies have examined the effects of visual training in athletes and have found supporting evidence that performance can be enhanced through vision training. The present case study aimed to expand on research in the field of stroboscopic visual training. To do so, twelve softball players, half novice and half expert, took part in this study. Six underwent a four-week stroboscopic training program and six underwent a four-week non-stroboscopic training program. The quantitative data collected in this case study showed that training group (stroboscopic vs. non-stroboscopic) and skill level (novice vs expert) of each softball player were significant factors that contributed to how much their fielding performance increased. Qualitative data collected in this study support these findings as well as players’ subjective reports that their visual and perceptual skills had increased. Players trained in the stroboscopic group reported that they felt like they could “focus” on the ball better and “predict” where the ball would be. Future research should examine more participants across a longer training period and determine if more data would yield even greater significance for stroboscopic training.