Virtual reality simulator helps athletes train faster decisions

Federation University researchers have developed an innovative virtual reality (VR) simulator to help athletes sharpen the split-second decision-making skills required in high-performance sport.

The platform, developed through a collaboration between motor skill learning scientist Associate Professor Sean Müller and technology development expert Evan Dekker, combines decades of research into perception, anticipation and expert performance with advanced VR and motion-tracking technology.

The simulator allows athletes to train how they interpret visual cues and make rapid decisions in game-like scenarios without requiring live opponents.

Associate Professor Müller said the project builds on more than 20 years of his research investigating how elite athletes anticipate and respond in high-speed sports.

"Research has shown that elite performers such as cricket and baseball batters are often making decisions before a ball is released or an opponent has completed their movement," Associate Professor Müller said.

"In cricket, batters have only fractions of a second to react, so the ability to read subtle cues from a bowler's action can have a significant influence on performance.

"This simulator allows us to recreate those situations and design training activities that challenge and develop an athlete's ability to use the information that matters most."

Since joining Federation in 2021, Associate Professor Müller has worked closely with Mr Dekker to translate that research into an immersive training platform.

Mr Dekker's expertise in computer vision, VR tracking systems and interactive software development has been central to creating a simulator capable of accurately monitoring player movement while delivering realistic training experiences in a virtual environment.

The portable system uses a VR headset connected to a computer and tracks an athlete's head, feet and equipment. The technology enables researchers and coaches to analyse movement patterns and performance while exposing athletes to carefully designed scenarios that test perception, anticipation and decision-making.

Associate Professor Müller said the simulator was built around established motor learning principles rather than simply replicating a visually realistic environment.

"What's important is that the technology is grounded in the science of how people process information and learn skills," he said.

"We've designed the simulator to focus on the critical cues athletes use when making decisions."

Cricket Victoria has been involved in part of the development process, providing feedback that addressed real-world training needs. Players who trialled the simulator at Cricket Victoria’s State Coaching Conference two weeks ago responded positively and recognised its potential as a valuable tool for player development and training.

The technology has already attracted strong interest from the cricket community, with national-level athletes and state coaches identifying its potential to supplement traditional training methods and create additional practice opportunities to live training environments.

While the initial focus has been cricket, the research team sees broad potential across a range of sports where athletes must make rapid decisions based on limited information, including baseball, tennis and squash.

The underlying principles are also being applied beyond sport. Federation University researchers are using related VR technology to examine how specialist law enforcement personnel interpret body language and behavioural cues in high-risk situations.

Professor Müller said the project demonstrated how research collaboration across disciplines can deliver practical solutions with real-world impact.

"Bringing together expertise in motor learning, computer vision and virtual reality has allowed us to create something that simply wasn't possible a few years ago," he said.

"We're excited by the opportunities this technology creates for athlete development and for helping people improve decision-making in challenging environments."