Development of volleyball skills in physical education lessons using visual imagery in 10-11-year-old schoolchildren

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. Volleyball is a popular team sport that requires a combination of technical skills, coordination, and teamwork. However, there is a need for innovative and effective teaching methods that can enhance the learning experience and skill acquisition process for young learners. The study aim to assess the efficacy of using visual imagery (scheme kinematic poses of an athlete) as a teaching tool to improve the volleyball skills of 10-11-year-old schoolchildren.
 Materials and Methods. The study involved schoolchildren from Lyceum № 89 in Kharkiv, Ukraine. A total of 62 schoolchildren were selected to participate in the study, with 28 students assigned to the experimental group and 30 students assigned to the control group. Among the participants, there were 22 girls and 40 boys, all aged between 10 and 11 years. The study employed a pedagogical experiment that spanned over a duration of 5 weeks, comprising 14 classes. The participants completed tests on Overhead Pass and Forearm Pass to assess their baseline volleyball skills. Cyclograms (scheme kinematic poses of an athlete during Overhead Pass and Forearm Pass), which provided visual representations of the technical techniques involved in volleyball, were utilized during the study. Brief information sessions were conducted with the schoolchildren in a "question-answer" format. Prior to the study, consent was obtained from the children's parents as well as the school administration to ensure the participation of the schoolchildren in the experiment. Ethical guidelines were followed throughout the study to ensure the well-being and safety of the participants.
 Results. There was no significant difference in the performance of tests between the experimental and control groups. Both groups displayed a low level of competence in technical volleyball skills at the outset. However, the control group achieved a sufficient level of competence, while the experimental group showed significant improvement and attained a high level of competence in technical volleyball skills.
 Conclusions. Physical education teachers should consider incorporating cyclograms as teaching tools when instructing 10-11-year-old schoolchildren in volleyball techniques. These visual aids can enhance comprehension and execution of the skills, leading to improved performance. Physical education classes should involve interactive teaching methods, such as brief information sessions in a "question-answer" format. This approach fosters engagement and active participation, enabling schoolchildren to grasp the concepts and techniques more effectively.