Typically, when an NFL player is injured for an extended amount of time, there will be a period where they need to re-learn plays and brush up on awareness. With Strivr virtual reality, however, that period can be drastically reduced, and rookie Broncos quarterback Drew Lock is discovering that.
No more downtime
Drew Lock has been out of the team’s lineup since the preseason due to a thumb injury. However, he has been able to use a VR tool called Strivr, which is built for “immersive learning.” Using a virtual training environment and film data important into the program. Lock could experience plays as if he were there, and coaches can assess and offer feedback during these sessions.
According to Broncos coach Vic Fangio, it may have even been more beneficial to Lock than had he been playing. Speaking to ESPN, Fangio said that issues he had been having with “footwork and decision-making,” and Strivr has helped to improve these weaknesses.
The Broncos are not the only team to make use of the Strivr system. Eight other teams, including the Steelers, Bears Buccaneers, Vikings, 49ers, and Cardinals have also utilized it. Former professional quarterback Trent Edwards works at the company as an account executive. He was blown away when shown the technologist for the first time. It’s not limited to football in its sports applications, with two NBA teams also implementing it, and can also be used for a variety of types of non-sports education.
Strivr helps to minimize an athlete’s need for other teammates to assist in practice. If you needed to work on a passing route, you would typically need a receiver who could run it repeatedly. With Strivr, that can all be done in VR. It lets you focus on your own areas of improvement without worrying about inconsistencies in teammates. Using the technology consistently could help to eliminate unnecessary injuries. Given its widespread use already, we only expect more sports organizations to implement it.
