The NBA’s Washington Wizards, WNBA’s Washington Mystics, and NHL’s Washington Capitals all became the first teams in their respective leagues to partner with STRIVR virtual reality technology back in August—and now we are seeing how they will use it.
The teams have begun using STRIVR’s virtual reality technology to enhance training: they film practice sessions, upload the footage, and then can view this in 3-D with a standard virtual reality headset. This allows players to view themselves from the third person, which opens many doors when it comes to improving performance.
Additionally, these Washington teams, all owned by Monumental Sports and Entertainment which has a history of implementing tech into their franchises, will enhance the fan experience in the Verizon Center’s VIP club with STRIVR’s virtual reality. The Wizards plan on filming center court during the national anthem so that fans can see what it’s like to stand right behind John Wall and Bradley Beal before tipoff. Meanwhile, the Capitals plan on using it to let fans experience skating on the ice and stopping shots from Alex Ovechkin.
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Wizards president, Ernie Grunfeld, said, “STRIVR’s software is a fantastic teaching tool that allows us to reach our players in new and exciting ways while enhancing the current programs we have in place for player development. Our staff has shown great ingenuity and creativity in finding applications for the virtual reality system, and out players have responded with enthusiasm about the technology.”
Wizards players have expressed fondness for being able to see their shooting stroke from a third-person view, which is greatly helpful for correcting mechanics and other general training.
So far, the Capitals have used the technology to film goaltending drills from the views of both the goaltender and the shooter, skating drills from center ice, and power plays from the views of both the penalty killer and the center. The team said that goaltenders were especially interested in the technology, for it let them see their footwork and positioning from a third-person view.
This 3-D virtual reality technology will most definitely improve player training over in Washington. Seeing video from a third person point of view is a great technique for player development, and seeing this in three dimensions from the actual hardwood or ice can only enhance this training method. And even if it does not end up being truly that effective, at the very least these players should be pretty darn excited to go to their 3-D film sessions.