#60: Can Gaming Enhance Your Sports Performance?
What if the hours you spend gaming could actually help you perform better on the field, court, or ice, not just improve your K/D ratio?
In this episode, Dr. Daniel Laby dives into what sports vision science really says about gaming and athletic performance. While gaming won’t magically turn you into a superstar, research shows that the right kind of gaming, done the right way, can sharpen key visual and cognitive skills that matter in high-speed sports.
He breaks down what’s proven, what’s hype, and how athletes can use gaming strategically as part of a smart performance training program.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:
- The right kind of gaming can sharpen sport-relevant visual skills like reaction speed, tracking moving objects, focusing in chaos, and seeing fine details faster.
- Gaming is a supplement, not a replacement for practice. The benefits are real but modest and only work when paired with proper sport training.
- Only fast-paced, competitive games played with intention matter. Casual or slow games don’t produce the same visual-cognitive benefits.
- Used strategically, gaming is low-risk and accessible, especially in the off-season or during injury and if you’re already gaming, it’s worth doing it in a way that might help performance.
EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:
- 00:36 - Scientific Evidence: Gaming Improves Vision
- 01:16 - Benefits of Gaming for Athletes
- 01:57 - Limitations and Considerations
- 03:35 - Practical Tips for Using Gaming in Training
- 04:40 - When and How to Incorporate Gaming
HELPFUL RESOURCES:
- Sports Vision NYC
- Connect with Dr. Laby on Instagram
- Pick Up a Copy of Eye of the Champion
- Download The Ultimate Sports Vision Guide for Athletes [FREE]
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to Sports Vision Radio so you never miss an episode on the science of peak performance.