There’s no doubt that the growing potential of virtual reality makes for an exciting prospect in the sports world. But until recently the technology has largely been focused on fan’s broadcasting experience. It can certainly create incredibly immersive and riveting viewing, but so far hasn’t yet realized its potential outside of this.
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However, soccer is now taking a leading role in exploring VR’s player training and analysis potential. Dutch Eredivisie team AZ Alkmaar have signed a long-term deal with Beyond Sports, a company that reconstructs real-life matches in virtual reality simulations. Their package also provides a range of analytical tools, including the ability for users to create custom training programs based on the match simulations with the Oculus Rift.
The plan for AZ is to focus Beyond Sports’ technology on their youth program, allowing their academy to analyze matches on a completely new level. Players will be able to relive games from their very own perspective, gaining insight on an individual level that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. So, win, lose or draw, youth players better get ready to be critical of themselves – a skill in itself.
AZ heeft een overeenkomst gesloten met Beyond Sports: https://t.co/C6p728kBos @beyondsportsvr pic.twitter.com/ulepnTXV6P
— AZ (@AZAlkmaar) February 9, 2016
This announcement follows on from a barrage of VR sports news in recent weeks, ranging from NFL teams engaging with fans like never before, or its use to convey the rugby analysis during the current Six Nations tournament.
Any soccer coach will tell you that even with the most talented pair of feet in the world, poor decision making can shatter career aspirations. The kids in the academy will unquestionably be technically-sound, but it is hoped that a new platform to hone their decision making will produce young players with a far more rounded skill-set. Dutch soccer, beware.