## 5 Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) in Sports Performance Analysis
### How VR and AR Can Contribute to Sports Performance Analysis
The technical limitations and the costs associated with the creation of virtual training environments pose a significant barrier to uptake in VR sports training [30]. Moreover, the acceptance of the technology by coaches seems to be the biggest barrier [144; 145]. Furthermore, the skill transfer from the virtual to the real world is still under debate [30], and a small evidence base supports its use in enhancing athletic performance [32]. However, the debate on using VR in rehabilitation settings has grown substantially recently [146; 147; 148; 118], suggesting that virtual environments can be useful from this perspective. When considering the potential of AR in sports, an intriguing avenue emerges [149; 137]. While VR often transports athletes to entirely virtual environments, AR enhances the real world by overlaying digital information onto the physical surroundings [111]. This technology can be harnessed to provide real-time data, statistics, and visual cues directly into an athlete's field of view. Imagine a soccer player receiving instant tactical insights while on the field or a cyclist having crucial performance metrics displayed on their glasses. AR holds the potential to offer athletes immediate access to valuable information, enhancing decision-making and overall performance. While the applications of VR and AR in sports have predominantly focused on physical training [150; 151; 152; 153], a vast uncharted domain with substantial potential lies in harnessingthese technologies to cultivate cognitive awareness and psychological readiness. By visualizing performance data and creating simulated scenarios, athletes can enhance their cognitive grasp of the sport, hone their decision-making skills, and develop mental fortitude for high-pressure situations. This unexplored territory represents a promising frontier for technology-enabled athlete development, bridging the gap between physical prowess and mental acuity. Below we have listed the main points where VR and AR can transform current sport performance analysis:  
* **Creating Immersive Coaching and Training Environments:** VR and AR technologies immerse athletes in realistic training scenarios, providing real-time coaching feedback. * **Skill and Strategy Development:** These technologies offer interactive, repeatable scenarios that challenge and refine athletes' skills. Also, to visualize game scenarios, positioning, and tactics in a comprehensive and interactive manner. * **Delivering Tactical Insights:** AR overlays digital information onto the physical environment, assisting athletes in making strategic decisions during gameplay. * **Providing Real-time Athlete Feedback:** Athletes receive immediate feedback and performance data in their field of vision, allowing adjustments during training. * **Facilitating Data-Driven Decision-Making:** Coaches and athletes can make informed decisions by accessing comprehensive performance metrics and tactical insights. * **Supporting Rehabilitation:** VR and AR can be used for aiding in injury prevention and rehabilitation. * **Bridging the Gap Between Physical and Mental Preparedness:** VR and AR develop cognitive awareness and psychological readiness, complementing physical training for high-pressure situations. * **Visualizing Performance Data:** VR and AR help athletes better understand performance data, enhancing their decision-making and mental acuity. * **Enriching Spectator Experiences:** AR enhances the viewing experience for spectators by overlaying live broadcasts with dynamic graphics and statistics, providing deeper insights into the game.