Finding the Right Goggles
First things first, I needed some goggles. I couldn't just use any old pair; I wanted something similar to what Amar'e wore. So, started an online search and found some shops with a wide variety for sports goggles. I looked around for a bit.
- I checked out some online stores.
- I read some reviews to see what other people thought.
After a while I picked a pair that looked pretty close to the ones Amar'e used. They weren't the exact same, but they had that same sporty, wraparound style.
Hitting the Court
With my new goggles in hand, I headed to my local basketball court. When I first put them on, it felt...weird. My vision was definitely different. It was like looking through a slightly curved window.
- I started with some simple dribbling drills.
- Then tried some layups.
It took a few minutes to adjust. The goggles slightly limited my peripheral vision, so I had to turn my head more than usual to see what was going on around me.
Playing a Pickup Game
Once I felt somewhat comfortable, I jumped into a pickup game. And man, that's when things got interesting.
- I noticed I was more aware of protecting my eyes.
- I found myself being a bit more cautious going for rebounds.
The goggles did their job, though. There were a couple of times when a stray elbow or finger came close to my face, but the goggles deflected them. I could see why Amar'e wore them – they definitely provided a sense of security.
The Verdict
After playing for about an hour, I took the goggles off. My eyes felt a little tired, but overall, it was a cool experiment. I definitely gained a new appreciation for Amar'e and other players who wear goggles. It's not easy playing with that altered vision, but it's a necessary trade-off for protecting your eyes.
Would I wear them all the time? Probably not. But I can totally understand why a pro player, especially someone with a history of eye issues like Amar'e, would choose to wear them. It's all about safety and staying in the game!
