Split Vision

Understanding of Game Basics:

Split vision, the ability to see and assess multiple elements of the game at once, begins with understanding the basics. Players must know the fundamental rules, positions, and structure of hockey. This grounding allows them to anticipate potential plays, identify risks and opportunities, and make rapid, informed decisions during games.

Training for Split Vision

1. Peripheral Vision Drills:
Ball Pass: Stand with a partner a few metres apart. Have the partner pass the ball from various angles while you try to catch it without moving your head. The goal is to improve your ability to see and react to the ball using only your peripheral vision.
Wall Ball: Throw a ball against a wall and try to catch it without directly looking at it.
2. Multi-Task Drills:
Track Multiple Objects: Have several partners move around randomly within your field of view. Attempt to track their movements simultaneously. Start with two partners and gradually increase the number as you get better.
Track Moving and Stationary Objects: Place a number of stationary objects around the field. While moving, attempt to track the stationary objects and a moving ball simultaneously.
3. Decision-Making Drills:
Simulate Game Scenarios: Simulate different game scenarios where you need to make split-second decisions based on multiple factors such as the position of teammates and opponents, the direction of the ball, etc.
4. Video Analysis: Analyse recorded games and try to track multiple elements simultaneously. Begin with following two elements and gradually increase the complexity as you improve.

Spatial Awareness and Positioning:

Using split vision can significantly enhance spatial awareness. By observing the positioning of teammates and opponents, as well as the ball, players can make smarter choices about where they need to be. Understanding both their role and their position relative to others, they can react faster to changes in play and support their team more effectively.

Offensive Strategies:

On the offence, split vision is used to survey the field for opportunities to pass, shoot, or dribble. Players can identify gaps in the opposing team’s defence, track teammates’ movements, and observe the goalie’s position. This wider field of vision allows players to choose the most effective offensive strategy at any given moment.

Defensive Strategies:

Defensively, split vision can help players anticipate opponents’ moves and react faster. Players can monitor several opponents simultaneously, track the ball, and keep an eye on the goal, allowing them to mark more effectively, intercept passes, and block shots.

Transitional Play:

Transition periods, when the play shifts from defence to offence or vice versa, can be chaotic. Split vision comes into play by helping athletes quickly assess their surroundings and adapt to their new roles, whether they need to press an attack or fall back to defend.

Set-Piece Strategies:

During set pieces, split vision enables players to assess both teammates and opponents, monitor the positioning of the goalie, and identify the best areas to target. A penalty corner, for example, requires players to rapidly appraise their options and act decisively.

Communication and Teamwork:

While split vision allows for a greater understanding of the field, effective communication ensures that this understanding is shared amongst teammates. This might include quickly calling out opportunities, directing teammates, or signalling intended actions.

Game Analysis and Decision-Making:

Split vision plays a critical role in decision-making, as it gives players a broader understanding of game dynamics. Video analysis can be a beneficial tool in training this skill, allowing players to pause, review, and assess various game situations, fostering quicker and more accurate decision-making over time.

Mental Toughness and Resilience:

Split vision is as much a psychological skill as it is a physical one. It demands concentration, patience, and resilience, as players may need to quickly bounce back from mistakes. Split vision can be trained and improved over time, promoting mental toughness.

In-game Adaptability:

Split vision directly contributes to a player’s ability to adapt during a game. Being able to take in multiple game elements at once allows players to quickly respond to changes in game dynamics, whether that means adjusting to a new strategy employed by the opposition, responding to a sudden chance, or changing their approach based on game progression.

In conclusion, split vision is a powerful tool in hockey, allowing for rapid assessment of multiple game elements simultaneously. Whether on offence or defence, during set pieces or transition play, effective use of split vision can provide a significant edge in a game. Like any skill, it requires practice and commitment to master, but the benefits to game sense and tactics are immense.