Peripheral Vision in Basketball Players at Different Level of Experience

Abstract Introduction. This study focuses on the sensory information delivered by the visual system, particularly in the peripheral visual field (PVF). Visual abilities, especially the ability to detect peripheral information, have been identified as important factors for successful performance in team sports. Athletes often need to divide their visual focus between central and peripheral fields to achieve optimal performance. However, research on visual perception in athletes with varying levels of experience is still limited. The aim of the study was to compare peripheral perception of basketball players at different level of experience. Material and Methods. In study 165 basketball players took part at different level of experience. An analysis compare abilities general visual functions (i.e. field of vision) and reaction time to visual stimuli. Peripheral perception was examined using the peripheral test included in Vienna Test System (VTS, Schuhfried, Austria). During the test variables were recorded: total field of vision, viewing angle of the left and right eye., tracking deviation, number of correct reactions, the number of omitted responses and median reaction time – left and right stimuli. Results. The results indicate that the E and U19 groups had significantly shorter response time to stimuli appearing in the peripheral field of vision compared to U15 group. Two more experienced groups had bigger field of vision than U15. No statistically significant differences were observed between E and U19 group. Conclusions. The study highlights the importance of perceptual skills, particularly in anticipation and decision-making processes, for basketball players due to the high number of stimuli involved in the sport. Understanding these differences can inform training strategies and help identify areas that may require additional attention for optimal performance. The accumulation of high volume of sport specific exercises may facilitate the development of perceptual expertise in basketball players.