The Quiet Eye
February 25
Written By Hilary Adams
In an article in the BBC, Robson writes about Serena Williams’ use of the “quiet eye:”
“Psychologists and neuroscientists have now identified some of the common mental processes that mark out elite athletes such as Williams. And one of the most intriguing aspects appears to be a phenomenon known as the “quiet eye” — a kind of enhanced visual perception that allows the athlete to eliminate any distractions as they plan their next move. Intriguingly, quiet eye appears to be particularly important at times of stress, preventing the athlete from ‘choking’ at moments of high pressure. It may even lead to the mysterious ‘flow state’.”
At the end of the article, Williams herself intriguingly shares that “If you are behind in a game, it’s so important to relax, and that’s what I do — when I’m behind in a game, that’s when I become most relaxed,” she added. “Just focus on one point at a time… just that sole point, and then the next one, and the next one.”
