Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the relations between the achievement in acquiring the program of rhythmic gymnastics (RG) and the motor abilities important for success in this sport discipline, in the students of different genders. The study included 58 Faculty of Sport and Physical Education students (29 male students and 29 female students, aged 20-21). Balance was measured using the 'Flamingo' balance test; overall coordination was measured using the test of 20 lunges with a stick; coordination in rhythm using the Drumming with legs and arms test; flexibility was measured using the Active straight leg raise test; explosive muscle power of the leg extensors was measured using the Split squat vertical jump test and High jump after a dismount and repetitive muscle power of the leg extensors was measured using the test of a Series of repetitive jumps lasting 15s. The success in RG was operationalized through the expert assessment. To determine the relationship between motor abilities and expert assessment Pearson's correlation analysis was used (Pearson-product moment). The results of this research indicate the conclusion that the motor abilities i.e. flexibility and coordination are significant for successful acquisition of the program contents of RG among the students of the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education.
Highlights
In physical culture, especially in its educational and sports entity, the integrity of students in their development and functioning has been emphasized (Ismail, 1976)
The results of this research suggest the conclusion that, in the students of the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, the future teachers of sport and physical education, the motor abilities of coordination and flexibility, which emerged as the most important motor abilities in the studies in the sample of the girls actively engaged in rhythmic gymnastics (RG), are significant for the successful acquisition of the program contents of RG
The gender specificities, in favour of the male students, have been expressed in terms of the relationship between these motor abilities and the expert assessment, which should be further examined in the future
Summary
Especially in its educational and sports entity, the integrity of students in their development and functioning has been emphasized (Ismail, 1976). Whether a student will be successful in performing certain motor activity depends on numerous factors. The research results have shown that, in addition to anthropometric characteristics, functional abilities and psychological characteristics, motor abilities are important for achieving success in physical education and sport (Kasum, 2001; Karalejić, & Jakovljević, 2008; Popović, 2010). The motor abilities of an individual directly determine the success of physical activity performance (Nedeljković, 2007). The manifestation of motor abilities may be influenced by the factors such as: physical posture, gender, level of physical activities and abilities (Astran, & Rodahl, 1986; Abernethy, Wilson et al, 1995; Keating, & Matyas, 1996, according to Nedeljković, 2007)
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