Visualization of spatial information using 360° images from a soccer player’s perspective and its applications

In ball sports, understanding spatial information, such as player positions and open spaces, is crucial for making informed decisions regarding when and where to pass the ball. This study develops a novel training support system for improving players' spatial cognition and skill levels. The support system employed a 360° camera positioned near the viewpoint of the passer and recreating the scene via a virtual reality device. By superimposing the dominant region (an area the target player can reach faster than any other player) and the space in which a pass can be received onto 360° images, the scenario obtained by the passer’s viewpoint can be replayed from an arbitrary line of sight. Furthermore, the system provides additional spatial information that evolves based on player movements in real time. This study proposes a novel method for extracting and visualizing spatial information and presents examples of its applications.