Abstract
Sport coaches have long utilized video sessions to enhance athletes’ decision-making skills. Traditionally, these sessions relied on fixed-screen modalities to display the videos (e.g., televisions, projectors, tablets). However, recent technological advancements have introduced more ecologically valid modalities, such as 360º videos (360ºV) presented in a head mounted display. An increasing body of research supports the superiority of 360ºV over traditional formats in training decision-making. Despite growing awareness of its existence and potential benefits, adoption of 360ºV in regular coaching practice remains surprisingly limited. This study aimed to explore coaches’ perceptions of 360ºV to identify factors that facilitate or hinder its integration into training programs. Seven certified coaches from five different sports, who work with Tier 3 and Tier 4 athletes across Quebec, participated in one-on-one virtual semi-structured interviews, each lasting between 50 and 80 minutes. To be eligible, coaches were required to have prior experience incorporating 360ºV into their coaching. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts revealed that coaches perceived 360ºV as beneficial for enhancing tactical decision-making and enabling safe skill development—particularly for injured athletes or when physical practice is not possible. Coaches also reported that athletes were receptive to this technology. However, barriers to sustained use included technological and technical complexity, time and human resources constraints, as well as selective resistance to innovation within sport organizations. To support broader implementation, sports scientists and practitioners should prioritize the development of user-friendly, sport-specific 360ºV tools and advocate for institutional support to foster cultural acceptance and long-term integration.
