[FUNDAMENTALS] LEAD WITH YOUR EYES: SCANNING UNLOCKS HIDDEN SPEED

Learn to connect where you are with where you want to go

Vision is the foundation upon which success in all forms of motorsports, both two and four wheels, is built.

Vision drives decision making. Vision ignites the feedback loop. Vision enables adjustability. Vision leads to proactivity. Vision builds confidence.

Most of the time, we focus our attention on either central or peripheral vision. Both are essential for success, so let’s begin by defining those terms:

1. Central Vision

• Narrow field of vision

• High acuity, responsible for focusing on specific references, such as entry apexes, brake markers, slow points, and exit apexes

• Used when proactively planning what comes next—linking the track together

2. Peripheral Vision

• Wide field of vision

• Low acuity but extremely fast at detecting motion and changes in contrast

• Used when passing, correcting slides, and detecting threats

How do we combine central vision with peripheral vision? How do we transition smoothly and quickly from one type of vision to the other? The answer is scanning.

Scanning is the conduit between detailed and narrow central vision and fast and wide peripheral vision, enabling fluid transitions between proactive and reactive states.

Central vision locks onto specific references. Peripheral vision monitors movement, quick reactions, and danger that lies beyond the focal point.

Effective scanning requires deliberate eye movement, forward and backward, through a series of reference points, orientating but not fixating on a single point.

As the eyes shift, the brain stitches together these focal points and peripheral cues, providing a continuous 3D map of speed, space, and motion. 

Scanning synchronizes central and peripheral vision, triggering depth perception, which enables the ability to precisely judge distances and adjust timing.

Let’s bring a deeper understanding of depth perception into the conversation: Depth perception goes beyond simple eyesight, and it isn’t automatic.

In fact, depth perception is a trained behavior that bridges the distance to an object, the speed at which it is approaching, and when to respond.

To realize the full benefit for braking, turning, and throttle, the eyes and head must move with purpose to read references, time actions, and anticipate what is coming next.

We use depth perception in our everyday lives, whether approaching a stop sign, walking down stairs, or pulling into a parking space. 

Yet, so frequently on the racetrack, depth perception is one of the least-used vision skills.

How Scanning Works: 

• Scanning begins when central vision locks onto a specific reference point on or near the racing surface

• As central vision shifts to the next reference, then back to the current location, depth perception kicks in, and along with peripheral vision, fills in everything in between

• Reference points connect the current location to a future location, enabling anticipation, situational awareness, and adjustability

When To Use Scanning

• Learning a new track

• First laps of a session

• Feeling lost on track

• Lap time has plateaued

• Need to refocus

• Passing

Why Scanning is Important

• Affords better judgment of space and time

• Improves timing of brake release, turn-in, and throttle application

• Minimizes guesswork and reactive inputs

• Reduces over-slowing at corner entry

Scanning is the glue that binds central and peripheral vision. Done well, it builds predictive awareness while maintaining real-time feedback. 

Scanning enhances depth perception, which sharpens the ability to judge speed, distance, and nuanced motor controls. 

Scanning drives flow state by allowing the fundamentals—control, timing, and vehicle placement—to take place sooner, with confidence and clarity.

Scanning Is For You

While we strive to enter flow state by precisely hitting our marks, that level of performance doesn’t happen by accident. It takes effort and time. 

In the early stages, scanning from one reference to another connects one location to the next. It creates a rhythm before rhythm feels natural.

With quality repetitions, vision sharpens, the lap begins to assemble itself, central vision takes over, and flow kicks in.

Vision is the starting point for flow, and scanning unlocks the hidden confidence and speed some may believe was never there.

Scanning is a powerful tool for all motorsports competitors. Use it. In the accompanying video, I describe in even greater detail how scanning works.

About Ken Hill

Ken Hill is considered the top motorcycle riding coach in the U.S. He bought his first motorcycle at age 30 and began road racing the very same year. Despite the late start, Ken went on to set track records and win class championships before making his professional debut in the AMA Superbike class, where he finished in the top 10 at age 41. Ken’s passion for learning and, ultimately, bettering the sport, led him to retire from racing in 2007 and devote himself full-time to coaching. Learn more at khcoaching.com.