The impact of training implemented in a virtual reality environment on football players

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of multi-object tracking and passing drills requiring environmental scanning in a virtual reality environment on players' on-field performance. Within the scope of the research, football players in the U16 and U17 age groups were divided into two groups: the virtual reality training group and the control group. The virtual reality training group underwent multi-object tracking and environmental scanning drills in a virtual reality environment three times a week for seven weeks, while the control group followed traditional training methods. Tests were conducted before and after the training to assess the players' environmental scanning, passing preferences and accuracy, and overall performance. This thesis is supported by the TÜBİTAK 1501 Industrial Research and Development Project (Project No: 3220145) titled "Development of a Unique Football Simulation to Be Used in Virtual and Augmented Reality Environments". The results show that training conducted in a virtual reality environment significantly improved the players' environmental scanning and key performance parameters such as successful passes, one-touch passes, and through passes. The study indicates that the integration of virtual reality technology into football training can provide valuable opportunities to enhance both individual and team performance.