Goalkeepers are crazy, so the cliché goes, and after watching Switzerland No.1 Yann Sommer wear a pair of shades during training, FFT is beginning to think that might be true.
Yet, the Borussia Monchengladbach gloveman wasn’t doing his best Men In Black impression, but in fact trying out cutting edge goalkeeper training technology, created by Japanese firm VisionUp.
The strobe glasses temporarily disrupt the user’s vision by intermittently closing the lens, which, the manufacturer claims, improves eye performance in normal game situations.
The battery-powered bifocals are also able to display fast-moving objects in slow motion, with the aim of improving keepers’ anticipation.
“It’s now possible for athletes to train and improve their vision on the pitch through daily training.”
There is a catch, though. With a retail price of £357, they don’t come cheap, so you might be better off sticking with your Aviators for now.
