The NFL has become a proponent of training in virtual realityeverybody from the Dallas Cowboys, who began using the technology in 2015, to Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer has embraced the idea of practicing in this 3D space. So have the NBAs Washington Wizards, the NHLs Chicago Blackhawks, and, most recently, Walmartassociates.
Now STRIVRthe self-proclaimed world leader in training athletes by using virtual realityis expanding to European soccer, and the German Football Association (DFB) is the first to take a giant step into this brave new world.
Considering Germany is the defending World Cup champion, and has a reputation for forward thinkingwhen it comes to using technology to better the national team, it seems like the perfect match.
Were new to virtual reality. Its still a white space when it comes to soccer, but we want to be the first mover, Nicolas Jungkind, the head of technology lab with DFB, told the Daily Dot. On the academy side, our biggest focus for 2017 and going into 2018 is cognition. Virtual reality hits the sweet spot of what were trying to achieve.
The DFB is beginning with a specific purpose. As Jungkind said, the DFB wants to start small and think big. He understands there will be plenty of trial and error, because when it comes to using VR technology, American football is vastly different than soccer.
Thats because each play on the football field starts from a stop. One team sets up on one side of the line of scrimmage. The opponent lines up on the other. Then, the ball is snapped, and the play begins. That kind of static starting and stopping makes it easier to train a quarterback on VR, because theres a clear beginning and end point.
But soccer is continuously moving, making it a completely different experience and one thats potentially harder to capture with VR.
Its very fluid, said Derek Belch, the CEO and co-founder of STRIVR. Theres a lot of space between people. There are a lot of challenges associated with that. Its about reaction time. Its about cognition. Right now, they know there are eight different things a center midfielder can see over a year. How do we put that into VR? How do we make that second nature?
For now, the DFB is using VR to think about how goalkeepers can improve their play, particularly when it comes to set pieces. Think of it this way: A goalie can use VR to analyze how an opponent will take a penalty kick. How many steps does the player take from his starting point to when he actually strikes the ball? How fluid is his approach? Does he start and stop, or does he make his attempt in one motion? Does he open his body before he makes contact? Does he show a tell before kicking the ball in one direction or the other?
Its also about visualization and repetition. A player whos taking a free kick can watch himself in VR shoot the ball around the defensive wall and under the crossbar for an amazing goal time after time. He can bend it like Beckham perfectly on every single attempt. To the German national team, theres real value in that.
What are those isolated decision-making moments? Belch said. It comes down to a fraction of a second. What are the things we can put into VR at various points to help a player make the best decision when it shows up in the game so that they just react and so that theres no thinking involved?
But not unlike some of the barriers STRIVR ran into when it was pitching NFL teams on why they should use VR, there is a bit of an old-school mentality that surrounds soccer that might sour on this kind of new technology.
We have those old-school coaches in soccer, no question, Jungkind said. But now that were experiencing a lot of younger coaches making their way to the highest level, were already seeing a shift toward being open to technology and doing things differently. We want to be that first mover in these kinds of strategic areas. That is our ambition.
Not just with the German national team that competes in international tournaments and will look to defend its World Cup title next yearin Russia. The DFB also wants to continuously improve the club teams in the Bundesliga, the German pro league thats one of the best circuits in the world.
For now, though, the DFB isnt focused so much on the senior national team or the top squads in Bundesliga. Instead, its starting with the national youth teams, and the DFB recently introduced the idea of VR training when the under-21 national team and the senior national team met up in Frankfurt.
[The players] loved it; they absolutely did, Jungkind said. There are so many positive things. All they want to do is become better. If they realize we make an effort to make them betterthat were thinking outside the boxtheyll appreciate that. Twenty years ago, youd be sitting in a room for two hours and watching 2D film.
Compare that passive experience to what Jungkind and Belch are striving for in soccera fully immersive, 360-degree VRexperience that allows you to see an opponents tendencies from every angle possible while envisioning yourself succeeding at the highest level.
We are completely disrupting the way organizations go about training, Belch said, Its just really exciting.
See more here:
The German national team will use VR to train, and it could change soccer - The Daily Dot
- Virtual Reality - Virtual Reality [Last Updated On: December 9th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 9th, 2016]
- VR, Virtual Reality | Virtalis [Last Updated On: December 11th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 11th, 2016]
- Road to VR - Virtual Reality News [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2016]
- VR Porn, Exclusive Virtual Reality Sex Videos. WankzVR [Last Updated On: December 19th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 19th, 2016]
- Immersion (virtual reality) - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: December 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 22nd, 2016]
- Virtual Reality - Setting the Record Straight One Post at ... [Last Updated On: December 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 22nd, 2016]
- NBA broadcasts games in virtual reality with NextVR ... [Last Updated On: December 28th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 28th, 2016]
- Virtual Reality | Future | Fandom powered by Wikia [Last Updated On: December 28th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 28th, 2016]
- Virtual reality, one year out: What went right, what didn't ... [Last Updated On: December 28th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 28th, 2016]
- Virtual Reality Toronto - VRTO - Virtual Reality, Toronto [Last Updated On: January 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 9th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality [Last Updated On: January 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 24th, 2017]
- Virtual reality headset - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: January 27th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 27th, 2017]
- Tribemix Virtual Reality for Dementia Care - YouTube [Last Updated On: January 27th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 27th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality Has Arrived in the Art World. Now What? - New York Times [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality Experience College Swim Meet - SwimSwam [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Explore The Amazon With This Stunning 360 Virtual Reality Video - IFLScience [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Adobe's Path To Entering The Virtual Reality Story - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Europe's virtual reality sector has grown to nearly 300 companies - VentureBeat [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Virtual reality to recount Maori life - Otago Daily Times [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- John Wall: 'I really thought I was gonna die' - ESPN.co.uk [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Travel Brands and Meeting Planners Are Using Virtual Reality to Drive Conversion - Skift [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Sportsnet to launch 360 Virtual Reality for six NHL games - Sportsnet.ca [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- In the burgeoning world of virtual reality, storytelling is both cutting-edge and old-fashioned - Los Angeles Times [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- What parents need to know about virtual reality - Deseret News [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- 8 Real Success Tips From Women Building The Future With Virtual Reality - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Virtual reality: prepare for the revolution - AndroidPIT [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Prospects Dimming For Facebook's Oculus Rift Virtual-Reality Headsets - Investor's Business Daily [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- WATCH: YouTube Stars Create Amazing La La Land-Inspired Virtual-Reality Music Video - PEOPLE.com [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality addiction threat prompts cautious approach as VR nears 'smartphone-like' take-off - ABC Online [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Archaeology turns to virtual reality with Lithodomos start-up - The Sydney Morning Herald [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- The Future Of Virtual Reality: Mobile VR Platforms In A Battle - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Virtual reality is boring compared to Beyonc's actual reality - A.V. Club (blog) [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Google wants to use Chrome to suck you into virtual reality - CNET [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Ringling showcase offers glimpse of virtual reality in Sarasota - Sarasota Herald-Tribune [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Allegheny County teachers see how to open world to classrooms with virtual reality - Tribune-Review [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality Could Be Your Next Prescription - DesignNews [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- DACC & Virgin Galactic team up to explore virtual reality - Las Cruces Sun-News [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Boulder International Film Festival diving into virtual reality with 2017 slate - Boulder Daily Camera [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- 'JAEPO 2017' Shows That Japanese Arcade Gaming Is Beginning To Incorporate Virtual Reality - Forbes [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Wichita-created virtual reality could take jurors into crime scenes ... - Wichita Eagle [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Why this analyst is warning investors to steer clear of virtual reality in 2017 - L.A. Biz [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- See the Newcastle virtual reality room helping children with autism overcome their phobias - ChronicleLive [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- See This Famous Masterpiece Recreated in Virtual Reality - UploadVR [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Samsung Goes for a New Look in Virtual Reality at New York Fashion Week - Fortune [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Virtual reality has a growing impact on college football - FOXSports.com [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- This company is opening a virtual reality multiplex this fall - Mashable [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Personalized virtual reality displays match eyesight | Stanford News - Stanford University News [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Virtual reality weather add-ons let you feel the sun and wind - New Scientist [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Virtual reality is still too isolating to be 'the next big thing' in tech - CBC.ca [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Miyamoto Still Has Doubts About Virtual Reality - GameSpot [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Virtual reality industry 'in need of a jump-start,' Imax CEO says at ... - Los Angeles Times [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Doctors use virtual reality to prepare children for scans - BBC News [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Gamers get a taste of virtual reality with new Missoula arcade - KTVH [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Revised orca shows, new virtual-reality swim with whales and new ... - Los Angeles Times [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Transcend VR Sues Virtual-Reality Investor Mike Rothenberg - Wall Street Journal (subscription) [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- This Powerful Gaming Executive Isn't Worried If Virtual Reality Fails - Fortune [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Virtual reality helps visitors transport back in time to ancient Roman ... - CBS News [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Boise-area entrepreneurs see opportunity in virtual reality amid real-world perils - Idaho Statesman [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- 3D printing, virtual reality used to bring dinosaur to 'life' - The Hindu [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Virtual reality startup Relax VR wants to relieve stress in corporate environments - ZDNet [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Escape with Virtual Reality, travelogue at Way - Sentinel-Tribune [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- VR1: Idaho's first virtual reality arcade opens in Eagle - KBOI-TV [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- NBA launches virtual reality app with Google Daydream - USA TODAY [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality Is Bringing These Lost Worlds Back to Life - NBCNews.com [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Now You Can Feel Wind and Temperature While in Virtual Reality - Futurism [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- IMAX's first virtual reality arcade is here and it is beautiful - The Verge - The Verge [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- VR Sales Numbers Are Wet Blanket on Adoption Hopes - Fortune [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality to Make MRIs Less Scary - Financial Tribune [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- How Valve is Taking a Nintendo-like Approach to Virtual Reality - UploadVR [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Inside an IMAX virtual reality arcade - VentureBeat [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- With New Invention, Virtual Reality's Potential for Magic Gets Real - New York Times [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- What Ubisoft learned from its first virtual reality games - VentureBeat [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Virtual Reality Was a Flop in 2016. Will 2017 Be the Year It Takes Off? - Motley Fool [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Virtual reality to take a decade as users chicken out, study shows - The Australian Financial Review [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Virtual reality is making surgery simpler - Deniz Ergurel (subscription) (blog) [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Virtual reality has potential to add new dimensions to marketing - Business Day (registration) [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2017]
- Virtual reality will take 'maybe a decade' to become mainstream - Mashable [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2017]
- #MadeInRVAJr: Hanover siblings want to bring virtual reality to your event - WRIC [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- Making Virtual Reality More Accessible - VideoInk [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- New virtual reality lounge opening in the Capital Region - NEWS10 ABC [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]