Hand-eye coordination is important not only for athletes, but for all individuals especially children just learning coordination. Hand-eye coordination is a skill that is generally learned early on in life. However, according to the website Bodyomics.com, there are several drills that adults and children can practice to improve hand-eye coordination, particularly as it pertains to sports. Practice specific exercises on a regular basis to increase your hand-eye coordination.
Step 1
Practice hand-reaction time. Sit in a chair and have a friend hold a tennis ball and stand next to you. Have your friend drop the ball at a random time and catch it as quickly as you can. The faster you are able to respond and catch the ball, the better your reaction time and hand-eye coordination. Repeat this exercise five times.
Step 2
Participate in racket sports. Tennis, racquetball and ping pong are fun, challenging ways to improve your hand-eye coordination. Both games require you to respond with your hands and eyes as your opponent returns the ball across the court or table. Play any of the games a couple times a week for 20 minutes to improve your hand-eye coordination.
Step 3
Play catch regularly. Toss a ball back and forth with a friend or child in the yard. Use a baseball, football, or any other ball you can toss. Vary the speeds with which you each throw the ball. The faster the ball comes at you, the faster you must respond. Throw the ball at different heights and from side to side rather than directly at one another. Having to move your hand toward the ball will improve your hand-eye coordination.
You can also play catch by yourself. Lie on the floor and toss a ball up into the air and catch it as it falls back toward you.
Step 4
Participate in sports. Sports of any kind will improve your hand-eye coordination. Basketball, football, golf, baseball, hockey, lacrosse and nearly any other sport in which you use your hands and eyes, effectively increase your coordination skills. Join an intramural team or get together with friends after work and join a pick-up game. The only way to get better at something is to practice as often as possible.
Tips and Warnings
- Perform at least one hand-eye coordination exercise a day for best results.
Things You'll Need
- Tennis ball
- Chair
- Baseball or football
