According to L'Équipe Football, the exercise is called "poursuites oculaires" and is designed to target the six muscles around the eyes. Nicolas Marchais, an orthoptist and creator of the EyeMotion software, explains that the exercise helps to improve visio-attention in athletes. However, Vivien Vasseur, a researcher at the Hôpital Fondation Rothschild, is more skeptical, stating that there is no scientific evidence to show that the exercise improves performance.
The exercise involves moving the eyes in a specific pattern, with Hatate seen lifting his index fingers and moving his eyes to follow. Marchais recommends the exercise as a way to improve coordination and reduce postural imbalance. While the effectiveness of the exercise is still debated, it is clear that Hatate is committed to his routine, having practiced it for years.
Des études ont montré que le fait de visualiser l'endroit où tu veux tirer avant un penalty multiplie tes chances de le réussir, affirme Vivien Vasseur. Une routine chère au coeur de Sir Alex Ferguson.