FLOORCOACH Mobile App with Virtual Coach Feature with Personalized Floorball Skill Enhancement : Development and Validity
Abstract
Background. The rapid development of digital technology in sports education has opened new opportunities for interactive learning and skill improvement. In floorball, traditional training methods often lack personalized guidance and real-time feedback, limiting athletes’ progress. Therefore, this study aims to develop and validate FLOORCOACH, a mobile-based application designed to enhance floorball skills through a Virtual Coach feature that provides individualized training and feedback. Methods. This research employed a Research and Development (R&D) approach using the 4D model (Define, Design, Develop, and Disseminate). The Define stage identified limitations in existing training methods and established the need for digital learning tools. The Design stage involved creating instructional modules for key skills—dribbling, passing, shooting, and tactical movement—supported by multimedia components such as videos and animations. In the Development stage, the application was validated by experts in sports education, language, and media to ensure content quality and usability. Practicality tests were conducted with athletes and coaches through one-to-one and small-group evaluations. Results. The validation process showed a high overall Aiken’s V score of 0.87 and a validity percentage of 95.5%, indicating that the application is highly valid. Practicality testing yielded an average rating of 91.3%, categorized as “very practical.” Feedback from experts and users led to refinements in interface design, accessibility, and content organization to enhance user experience. Conclusions. The study concludes that FLOORCOACH is a highly valid and practical digital learning tool that effectively supports athletes in mastering fundamental floorball techniques. It offers an engaging, personalized, and accessible approach to training, bridging the gap between conventional coaching and technology-based learning while contributing to the digital transformation of sports education