They stretch and strengthen their muscles and joints, and they work hard to improve their physical stamina. But there is one, highly critical asset that is largely overlooked by most players in their endless bid to win. Vision is among life s most precious assets, and our instincts to protect the eyes are highly developed. Tennis players do not wear protective eyewear, but for the most part they know to face away quickly when a dangerous situation looms during play.
Players needing eyeglasses use only shatterproof lenses.
Meanwhile, the hazards from extended exposure to ultraviolet light are becoming more widely appreciated, and we are beginning to see recommendations to use UV protective glasses when playing outdoors. Apart from eye health, however, there are other vision-related aspects meriting the attention of the serious player, considerations bearing on his or her playing ability. I offer two tips, below, that have emerged from my years of thought, observation, and trial. The importance of vision in tennis shot-making was underlined a decade or so ago, when the new, yellow balls came on the scene. Most of us at once recognized an immediate improvement in our play, and the yellow balls came into general use almost overnight.