As football grows increasingly competitive, training methods have to change, adapt and become more advanced. Gone are the days of just being on the field and watching game film. Instead, football administrators and coaches remain on the lookout for new ways to change the game, get an edge on the competition and, most importantly, advance player safety.

During the last several years, companies have developed software and hardware solutions to help athletes and coaches stay ahead of the game.

Technology produced by companies such as Eon Sports VR, Motek Medical, Daqri and Strivr provides a virtual reality/augmented reality type of training to assist on-the-field training while allowing for more mental preparation. Used at college programs such as Stanford and Kansas along with at least one California high school, coaches and athletes strap on a headset, and once inside the virtual environment can train as if they are live on the field. Many have compared the experience to playing a video game – a fun yet challenging training environment that can be done anywhere.

For players, this can provide repetitions they need without any wear on their bodies. For professional players, this kind of technology gives them time to learn the playbook and gain confidence before stepping out on the field. It helps the athlete make better decisions and see the field as a whole, strengthening cognitive and visualization abilities, which are important in the game.

Having great physical abilities will only take players so far as there are always going to be athletes who are bigger, stronger and faster. But knowing the game inside and out and mastering the game mentally before stepping out on the field provides an incredible edge.

Virtual training can help guide athletes from the younger levels into college and ultimately to the NFL. Mental skills will improve without additional physical stress. Football will always be a physical sport, but what can change is how training is done. Virtual reality training opens the door to all kinds of new possibilities.

Peter Macias is a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers special events and gameday operations staff and a member of the NFL Alumni Association. He is an NFL Ambassador and a USA Football certified youth coach who writes about technology and sports. Connect with Peter on Twitterand on LinkedIn.