#61: The Power of the Quiet Eye and Transforming Sports Performance

There’s a brief moment before every shot, often less than half a second, that can determine success or failure. It’s not mechanics or technique. It’s what happens when the eyes stop moving. In this episode, we explore The Quiet Eye, a powerful but often overlooked performance skill used by elite athletes. Research shows that successful performances are preceded by earlier and longer visual fixation on the correct target, while missed shots under pressure often involve late or unstable gaze shifts. You’ll learn why Quiet Eye isn’t about staring longer, how it prepares the brain to execute movement, and how it can be trained without changing mechanics, especially when the pressure is highest.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:

• Quiet Eye predicts success, especially under pressure
• It’s task-specific, the right target matters
• The eyes prepare the brain for execution
• Quiet Eye can be trained without changing technique

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

• 00:00 - The Crucial Moment Before a Free Throw
• 00:15 - Understanding Quiet Eye in Sports
• 00:52 - The Science Behind Quiet Eye
• 01:43 - Training Quiet Eye for Better Performance
• 02:02 - Practical Quiet Eye Drills
• 02:39 - Quiet Eye Under Pressure

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]

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