Implementing Virtual Reality into Your Sports Facility

When most people hear “virtual reality,” they most likely think of video games, but this relatively new technology is starting to have some real-world, practical applications. In fact, sports training is one of the industries leading the way in virtual reality, finding unique ways to utilize simulations to improve sports performance.
As of now, football training has most heavily incorporated virtual reality, but it’s quickly finding its way into many other athletic programs. Because of their athletic training applications, virtual reality headsets have become a popular addition to sports facilities. To give you a better understanding of this exciting new technology, here are some ways athletes can use virtual reality at your sports facility.

Solo Train for Team Sports

Virtual reality frees us from some of the physical constraints of sports training, including having to practice with others. By adding virtual reality headsets to your sports facility, athletes have the ability to practice team sports without their team. For football, athletes can dodge realistic tackles on their own. For baseball, athletes can play a game of catch alone. As this technology continues to grow and improve, the possibilities for solo training are endless.
Of course, nothing will ever replace the physicality of practicing with an actual team, but virtual reality does create new possibilities for athletes. For example, with virtual reality, athletes can practice any time that is convenient for them. If a softball player goes to a sports facility for conditioning, she can also stop by the virtual reality room to practice her pitching in a realistic simulation, preparing her physically and mentally for game day.

Repetition of the Same Situation

For sports training, virtual reality works by playing back pre-recorded set pieces. By playing these set pieces through the VR headset, an athlete receives a realistic, 360-degree view of a sport’s situation. Because repetition is so important to sports training, virtual reality can replay the same set pieces over and over, allowing athletes to continuously run through the same tactic, play, or situation and commit it to memory.

Substitution for Film

In football, virtual reality is largely used as a substitution for watching film. Instead of sitting in a dark room and watching plays, teams can come to your sports facility and run through their plays with virtual reality headsets. This way, players can improve their performance and correct their mistakes while still relaxing and taking the day off from normal practice.

Adding Virtual Reality to Your Sports Facility

Virtual reality devices make a great addition to any sports facility. Simply set aside an open room that gives people plenty of room to move and practice before setting up the technology.
To learn about more ways to improve your sports facility, contact Sports Facility Management. Whether our clients measure success in dollars, community engagement, or kids’ access to sports, Sports Facility Management produces industry-leading results. To learn more, visit our website today!