Abstract: Objective: To explore the characteristics of VR (Virtual Reality) tactical training, verify the effect of VR training for young soccerl players of different ages, and analyze the factors and mechanisms that influence the effectiveness of VR training. Methods: 48 male soccer players were chosen from elementary, middle and high schools (8 in each experimental group and control group of each shool level) as experimental subjects to receive VR training interventions for 10 times in 4 weeks. The Youth Tactical Knowledge Test System and the Ekkono tactical test were used to compare the changes in tactical ability before and after the intervention. Results: (1) The tactical ability of elementary school group was significantly lower than that of junior high school group and high school group (P＜0.05); (2) Elementary school experimental group's tactical test system score and Ekkono test score were significantly improved (P<0.05) after the VR training.Compared with the control group, there was a significant difference in improvement (P<0.05), while junior school group and high school group presented no significant change; (3) Elementrary school group was significantly higher than junior school group and high school group in immersion propensity score, total PESIS score, and exploratory and pleasure dimensions (P<0.05), while there was no difference between junior school group and high school group. Conclusions: (1) VR training can efficiently improve the tactical training effect of elementary school football players aged 10-12. (2) In VR training, the differences in tactical knowledge, immersion tendency, and interest may be important reasons for the different training effects among three groups.

Key words: VR training, VR technology, soccer, teenager, tactical training