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When you hear the words 'soccer simulator', what's the first thing that comes to mind? For some, it may sound like a fun social activity with friends. Whereas for others, it may be a way improve soccer skills, tactical awareness and decision-making.
In this guide, we will break down the different types of soccer simulators out there. Whether your goal is to play for enjoyment or level up on-field performance, we've got you covered. Our list of innovative simulators all bring the experience of a soccer match closer to reality.
Indoor Soccer Simulators
Most people will probably be aware of golf simulators and other type of multi sports simulators. But in recent years, soccer simulators have come more to the fore.
Here are three indoor soccer simulators, each designed for different audiences. One is for professionals, one is for young aspiring players looking to improve, and the other is more for fun.
skills.lab Arena
The skills.lab Arena is an interactive, high-tech training facility used by professionals and academies. The 320 m² arena equipped with artificial turf creates an immersive and data-driven training experience. Laser projectors create interactive soccer game simulations on a 360° screen.
Four ball machines serve players with 360 balls in 60 minutes, with options to adjust ball rotation, angle and speed. Players receive visual and acoustic feedback on their performance as well as live scoring for each pass and shot in real time. High-resolution cameras and sensors analyse ball processing time and ball speed in real time.
Since December 2020, FC Bayern Munich have been training daily in the club's own arena. The high repetition in the skills.lab Arena allows players to work on techical and cognitive skills in an efficient and measurable way.
TOCA Soccer
TOCA Soccer provides a tech-enhanced soccer experience for players of all ages and skill levels. Founded by Eddie Lewis, former MLS and English Premier League and USMNT World Cup midfielder. Training aims to improve players receiving, passing, turning, and finishing techniques.
Classes, camps and group or solo sessions are available at training centres throughout the United States and Canada. TOCA seeks to create an engaging, fun, and high-repetition learning environment.
TOCA Social
TOCA Social is a technology-enabled soccer experience that combines elements of soccer, entertainment and dining. In state of the art venues, located in both the US and UK, TOCA creates a unique and immersive soccer experience for players of all ages and skills levels.
In private booths, visitors are served balls and asked to hit dynamic targets on an interactive screen. A variety of games will test your accuracy, precision, and speed. Plus, with a range of levels available, players of all abilities can enjoy the experience.
At Home Soccer Simulators
If you want to train like a pro at home, a virtual reality soccer simulator is the way to go. All you need is a VR headset, access to a VR soccer training platform and a small space to practice.
VR is helping players understand and develop their scanning behaviour by using headset motion tracking to analyse head movements. Studies have shown that players who scan more, retain possession more often, and make more successful forward passes.
However, scanning is difficult to train individually. As players need realistic game environments to recreate the necessary conditions. That's why lots of professional players and clubs are turning to VR to help, as it in essence becomes a soccer match simulator.
Be Your Best
The Be Your Best VR training platform is the leader in soccer cognitive training. It immerses users into the perspective of one player and recreates moments players will constantly face on the field. Encouraging players to scan where the ball, teammates and opponents are, to help form what their decision will be once they receive the ball - just like in a real match.
This advanced VR technology sharpens players' vision, awareness, reaction time, and tactical awareness. Every VR session is measured and recorded, allowing players to analyse their performance after every session. Metrics such as scan frequency, scan quality (timing) and assessing decisions made can be measured and tracked over time.
This VR technology is currently being used by thousands of professional and amateur players to improve their soccer IQ. Injured players are even staying mentally sharp without full-contact training by practicing in these VR environments. Read how Chelsea star Roméo Lavia trained in VR for months in preparation for his comeback from a lengthy injury.
If you enjoyed this guide on soccer simulators, check out this blog on the Top Soccer Training Apps for Players. Thank for you stopping by.
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