Professional and amateur players are constantly looking for cutting-edge ways to improve performance. Innovative training devices are proving one way footballers can enhance their technical and cognitive skills.
In this article, we'll explore some of the most effective football training devices currently available. Starting with training goggles for goalkeepers, used by Liverpool and Bayern Munich.
Goalkeeper Goggles: Improving Hand-Eye Coordination
During Liverpool's 2024/25 pre-season training camp, their goalkeepers were pictured wearing goggles. The Swivel Vision training goggles limit peripheral vision. The idea is to force the individual wearing into more visual tracking or use of audio cues.
The training goggles are designed to improve goalkeeper's reactions, hand-eye coordination and technical skills. By restricting the amount of sensory input the players receive during a training session, the hope is that it will make matchday less challenging.
Manuel Neuer of Bayern Munich has also been pictured training in Swivel Vision goggles.
Rebounders: Perfecting Control and Reflexes
Rebounders are versatile training devices footballers use to improve ball control, passing accuracy, and reflexes. Both seasoned professionals and aspiring youngsters can benefit from training with this tool.
A football rebounder is usually a square or a rectangle plate or net. Players kick the ball into the apparatus and the ball will, yes you guessed it, rebound right back.
Rebounders help players work on their first touch and ball control, with both feet, through constant repetition. Convenience is a major benefit. Players can practice passing and receiving on their own, without the need for teammates.
Using a rebounder helps players develop technical skills, quicker reflexes and reaction speed, essential for players in every position. Manchester City have been seen using Football Flick rebounders in training.
Virtual Reality Football Training: Enhancing Cognitive Skills
One of the most exciting advancements in football training technology is the development of virtual reality (VR). VR headsets allow players to step onto a virtual pitch and immerse themselves in realistic game scenarios.
Research in football cognition has shown the best way to train game intelligence is to train in a game-like environment. Game intelligence requires information gathering, through the skill of scanning. The ability to scan, gather information and make split-second decisions is a necessity on the pitch.
Studies have revealed that players who scan more, retain possession more often, and make more successful forward passes. Training in VR allows players to enhance cognitive skills, such as scanning, vision, awareness and decision-making. All without the physical demands of traditional training sessions.
Champions League level clubs and players, such as Borussia Dortmund, FC Copenhagen, Martin Ødegaard and Aurélien Tchouaméni, have used the Be Your Best VR training app to improve their cognitive skills.
Closing Thoughts
Adding innovative football training devices into routines and schedules can elevate footballers' game to new heights. The competitive nature of the sport requires teams and players to constantly look for competitive edges wherever available.
We hope that this article has provided you with some training device inspiration.
.png)
.png)
.png)
