Date: Mon, 18 Oct 1999 17:34:48 -0400 (EDT)
From: Thomas Edward P Brady Jr <thosebra@umich.edu>
X-Sender: thosebra@pacman.gpcc.itd.umich.edu
To: Brad Canale <bcanale@engin.umich.edu>
Subject: Re: your mail

Sorry for the late reply but I do not check my email as often as I probably should. As for my responses, hopefully you find them helpful when meeting with Don Graham.

I feel there would be several practical applications for the use of the VR CAVE in training football players.

- young players can replay countless repetitions of their own team's plays in help with learning the hundreds of formations, motions, and variations to an offensive and defensive scheme. Because teams only have one week to prepare for each opponent, practice time is spent preparing only the individuals who will be in positions to play. Therefore, third and fourth string players are merely watching the starters and backups performing the plays without conceptualizing on their own. The only way to gain experience as a player is through repetition. The VR CAVE would allow that.

- Opponent tendencies could be programmed so QB's and LB'ers could use the CAVE as a way to simulate their opponent's scheme. From week to week, I am preparing for different coverages and blitzes from each opponent. I could use the CAVE to get a feel for how our plays would match up with their defensive adjustments on a weekly basis.

- Because we are limited to 20 hours per week of on field practice, I could spend time in the CAVE using VR to simulate defensive players (rather than my own teammates at practice) to help me in preparation. I could visualize their blitzes versus our pass protections time after time. Needless to say, the amount of time it would take to prepare each week would be greatly reduced.

- Coaches could use it as a priceless coaching tool in the offseason to train their players. Coaches could even visualize plays they would like to install in their own game plans.

If you need any more help or if you would like to talk about any of this just give me a call.

Tom

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"Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anybody else expects of you."
-Henry Ward Beecher-
(American Preacher, Orator, Writer 1813-1887)

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>On Fri, 15 Oct 1999, Brad Canale wrote:

>>Tom - I am glad that you see promise in the VR project. I am bringing Don Graham there next Saturday morning and want to summarize your reactions. Could you please respond with some comments/list of applications for football training from your perspective. Thanks