Enhancing Sports Training with Virtual Reality Technology
Technology like Virtual Reality is transforming our everyday lives to a great extent and the Sports domain is no exception to the wonders of technology.
From enhancing players' performance to offering immersive experiences technology, technology has become a game changer on and off the field.
But why even bother about the changing landscape of the sports world?
A look at the below data indicates the growth of the Sports Technology market:
- USD 41.8 billion – set to be achieved by 2027
The above stat shows us how sports technology is growing and thus paving the way for a myriad of new experiences.
The Growth of Virtual Reality in Sports Technology
The sports technology market is expected to grow at a robust CAGR of 17.5% between 2021 and 2026, with projections extending to 2027, indicating a continued growth trend. By 2027, the market is anticipated to expand even further as advancements in AI, IoT, and wearable tech continue to drive innovation, potentially increasing the CAGR slightly above the 17.5% mark.
Out of this, the APAC region aims to grow the highest. With China leading, other countries like Japan, India, Australia, and Singapore are expected to be the biggest consumers.
Using VR to Redefine the Sporting Experience
In today’s era, VR is not just a spectator but an active player when it comes to revolutionizing the sports world.
So whether you are a sports enthusiast or professional, tech-savvy person or simply just want to know the future of sports and games, let’s straight up dive into the transformative world of Virtual Reality in sports and the benefits it brings along.
Imagine if a sporting fan gets to view the game not from a distance but as if on the field with the players- Well, the possibilities with virtual reality development are endless.
1. Virtual reality sports games for audience engagement
The viewing of sports moved on from the stadiums to the TV screens to the digital platforms, making viewing more interactive.
Well, the next logical phase is to make viewing immersive as well.
VR can help in audience engagement in sports technology by providing more immersive and interactive viewing experiences, virtual tours, sports training simulations, and new advertising and sponsorship opportunities.
This is one of the many wonders that VR can offer.
2. VR sports to boost player performance
Virtual Reality Simulations can boost player performance. Sports performance analysis using virtual reality is a useful training and assessment tool.
VR developers can simulate conditions for training and practice where the player competes against his opponent as in an actual match.
Errors made are recorded and analyzed and feedback is incorporated. Team coordination also benefits from the use of VR-simulated training.
It benefits player's in-game strategy, strengths, and weakness analysis, and gives a psychological advantage.
3. VR as a referee tool
The referees, judges, and umpires are always under the scanner to declare players as out or penalize them.
Virtual Reality can serve as a valuable tool in aiding the decision-making process especially where they have to make quick decisions based on.
The referees can revisit the entire episode, and pause or slow down footage multiple times to analyze sports performance using virtual reality to make the right decision and one that leaves no margin for error.
A Review - Virtual Reality in Sports Coaching
VR in sports training is perfectly compatible with the knowledge and skill repetition required by the best athletic performances.
Virtual reality sports coaching allows coaches to assess the performance in real-time and then optimize individual player’s and/or team's training requirements.
VR in sports coaching allows coaches to assess and optimize individual layers and the team's training requirements
1. VR-powered smart stadiums
Smart Stadiums seek to offer better and more enhanced facilities using emerging technologies like AI, facial recognition, self-parking cars, and sensors for optimal management.
An application of virtual reality for enhanced sports by using a VR headset to be worn in stadiums has the potential to create hype and excitement and ticket sales are bound to skyrocket.
2. Win-Win situation for all
VR sports offer spectators a 360-degree bird's eye view and the ability to view the game from the vantage points of a player, such as a goalie.
Media and Digital platforms can show VR-compatible streaming by using 360-degree cameras to the audiences' devices.
Audiences get a more engaging and immersive experience than ever before, raising loyalty to the sport and player. Commercial Sports Establishments and Media channels get better remunerations on services and ROI.
Major Leagues that Have Used VR
- NBA season (2019-20)
- Rio Olympics 2016
- NHL All-Star Game and Stanley Cup Final
- Major League Baseball
- Horse Racing- Kentucky Derby
- 2018 World Cup Football
- F1 Australian Grand Prix
Prominent Sports bodies like the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Melbourne Cricket Association, Sahara Force India, Indian Premier League (IPL), and New Zealand Cricket use smart sports technologies for hosting major international and domestic tournaments.
New Realities
Virtual Reality will be the flagbearer of a new revolution in sports and has revolutionized sports and gaming trends through new virtual reality sports games and formats.
VR sports are the perfect blend of fantasy and real-world games. Just imagine if you would be doing the tiki-taka along with Messi, on the same playing field.
Well, it's fantasy (Virtual) blended with the actual (Reality).
VR for sports may serve as the bridge between gaming industries and tech companies collaborating with sports organizations to co-create.
Check the diversity of virtual reality in the various industries in the showreel video.
AR and VR are constantly producing innovative and ground-breaking solutions for the sports and gaming segment.
