Heading accuracy improves through heading training using Virtual Reality [通常講演]
Taiki Miyazawa; Ichiyo Okamoto; Daisuke Ichikawa
World Congress on Science and Soccer (WCSS 2025) 2025年06月 ポスター発表 Ibrox Stadium (Rangers FC) and Celtic Park (Celtic FC), Glasgow University of the West of Scotland (UK)
Heading is an important skill in soccer, and to improve this skill, it is necessary to increase the amount and duration of training. However, considering the potential impact of head impacts during heading on brain function, it is important to carefully select the types of training. Therefore, this study aimed to examine heading training using Virtual Reality (VR), heading training with a limited number of repetitions based on the Japan Football Association's guidelines, and a combination of both training methods in soccer novices, to evaluate the changes in heading skills. By comparing these results, the study aimed to explore the use of VR in heading training. Sixty-four healthy university students with no prior soccer experience were randomly assigned to one of five groups based on the type of training: VR group, soccer ball group, VR and soccer ball combined group, lightweight ball group, and control group. Each participant first received an explanation on how to perform heading, followed by a skill test to assess heading accuracy and strength. Then, each group underwent the assigned heading training for eight weeks, after which the skill tests were repeated. The results showed that the VR-only training group experienced improvements in heading accuracy, but no significant improvement in heading strength. In contrast, the combined VR and soccer ball training group showed a tendency to improve heading accuracy and a significant improvement in heading strength. These findings suggest that combining VR with traditional soccer ball training may be the most effective way to improve heading skills. Using VR in training has the advantage of reducing the risk of head impacts, which could affect brain function. However, while VR can enhance certain aspects of heading technique, the study indicates that traditional soccer ball training still plays a vital role in improving heading strength. Combining both training methods seems to provide the most balanced and effective approach to improving heading skills. This study suggests that VR can be a useful supplementary tool in heading training, offering a safer alternative while still enhancing key aspects of the skill. In conclusion, the study suggests that combining VR with traditional heading training may be the most effective method for developing heading skills while minimizing the risks associated with head impacts.