There’s a big debate about whether playing sport-related video games can actually improve your real-life sports performance. As someone who’s been gaming for years and loves sports just as much, I’ve wondered the same thing. While it’s obvious that no amount of FIFA will turn you into Cristiano Ronaldo overnight, there are some interesting ways in which these games can actually help you on the field or court.
Understanding the Game Better
One thing sport-related video games can definitely do is help you understand the tactics and strategies of the sport. In games like NBA 2K or Madden NFL, you’re not just mindlessly mashing buttons. You need to understand plays, formations, and player roles to succeed. By playing these games, you get familiar with the strategy side of things, like when to press for a goal or how to defend against a fast break. It’s no substitute for actual practice, but it helps you think like a pro.
Reaction Time and Quick Decisions
Games like FIFA or Rocket League may help sharpen your reflexes. When you’re playing a fast-paced game, you need to make split-second decisions, much like in real-life sports. Timing your passes, knowing when to shoot, or when to position yourself defensively requires fast thinking, just like when you’re out on the field. While playing the game doesn’t directly translate to physical skill, improving your reaction time and decision-making in the game could help you think faster during real matches.
Building Hand-Eye Coordination
It’s no secret that sports video games demand excellent hand-eye coordination. Whether you’re controlling a player in NBA 2K or racing in F1 2024, you’re constantly adjusting your timing and aiming. This can be beneficial in real sports, especially in activities that require precise movements, like tennis or basketball. While you’re not physically shooting a basketball or swinging a tennis racket in the game, you are building the same coordination between your brain and your hands.
Learning Rules and Mechanics
For people new to a sport, video games can act as a fun introduction to the rules and mechanics. Playing MLB The Show or NHL 24 can teach you the basic rules of baseball or hockey, which might be a little tricky to grasp at first. For casual players who don’t have much experience, this is an easy and interactive way to understand the game before jumping into real-life practice.
Fitness Games: A Whole New Level
There’s also the rise of fitness and sports games that combine gaming with physical activity. Think of games like Ring Fit Adventure or even older titles like Wii Sports. These games are designed to get you moving, and in some cases, they’ve even been shown to improve players’ overall fitness levels. While they’re not a replacement for actual training, they do offer a fun way to stay active and improve your physical abilities, especially if you’re not able to get outside to play sports regularly.
The Limits: Gaming vs. Real-Life Skills
Now, let’s be real—just because you’re an expert in FIFA doesn’t mean you’re suddenly going to become a soccer star. The skills you develop in a sport-related video game mostly remain in the virtual world. You still need the physical practice, muscle memory, and endurance to excel in the real world. But the mental preparation, understanding of the sport, and strategic thinking can give you an edge.
So, do people get better at sports after playing sport-related video games? Kind of. While video games can help sharpen your tactical mind, improve your reaction time, and boost your understanding of a sport, they can’t replace actual practice. But if you play these games with a purpose, thinking about how to apply what you’re learning on the screen to real life, you might just notice improvements the next time you hit the court, field, or track.