Athletic Skills Research Articles

Recreational sports in prison: inmates' perspectives on coaching effectiveness.

This study examines inmates' perspectives on the effectiveness of sports coaches in prison. According to the integrative definition of effective coaching, coaches require professional, interpersonal, and intrapersonal knowledge to enhance athletes' outcomes within a specific context. Five male inmates of a German prison were interviewed after they participated in sports programs. The data were analyzed using directed content analysis. The inmates recognized professional knowledge in coaches who demonstrated clear training structures and spoke in an educated manner. Interpersonal knowledge was highly valued, with inmates expressing a preference for coaches who showed closeness, truthfulness, and responsiveness, while intrapersonal knowledge was attributed through coaches' adaptability. Inmates identified all four possible outcomes and emphasized that sensitivity, authenticity, energetic demeanor, physical appearance, and athletic skills are crucial qualities for an effective coach in a prison. The balance between an authentic and energetic demeanor, including a certain degree of strictness, emerges as a key factor in effective coaching within the prison context.

Transforming the game: Rethinking leadership and character development in contemporary athletics.

Sport plays a crucial role in personal and collective development, reflecting core values and serving as a platform for holistic growth. As athletics, especially intercollegiate sports, face increasing pressures and challenges, the need for leadership training and character development has become more critical than ever. This article emphasizes the importance of empowering student-athletes and rethinking leadership training to adapt to the evolving sports landscape. Recommendations are provided to help coaches, administrators, and athletic departments harness the transformative power of sport to develop critical leadership and life skills in young athletes.

Could Motor Imagery Training Provide a Novel Load Management Solution for Athletes? Recommendations for Sport Medicine and Performance Practitioners.

Athletes often face the dual challenge of high training loads with insufficient time to recover. Equally, in any team, sports medicine and performance staff are required to progress training loads in healthy athletes and avoid prolonged reductions in training load in injured athletes. In both cases, the implementation of a well-established psychological technique known as motor imagery (MI) can be used to counteract adverse training adaptations such as excessive fatigue, reduced capacity, diminished performance, and heightened injury susceptibility. Narrative overview. Level 5. MI has been shown to enhance performance outcomes in a range of contexts including rehabilitation, skill acquisition, return-to-sport protocols, and strength and conditioning. Specific performance outcomes include reduction of strength loss and muscular atrophy, improved training engagement of injured and/or rehabilitating athletes, promotion of recovery, and development of sport-specific skills/game tactics. To achieve improvements in such outcomes, it is recommended that practitioners consider the following factors when implementing MI: individual skill level (ie, more time may be required for novices to obtain benefits), MI ability (ie, athletes with greater capacity to create vivid and controllable mental images of their performance will likely benefit more from MI training), and the perspective employed (ie, an internal perspective may be more beneficial for increasing neurophysiological activity whereas an external perspective may be better for practicing technique-focused movements). We provide practical recommendations grounded in established frameworks on how MI can be used to reduce strength loss and fear of reinjury in athletes with acute injury, improve physical qualities in rehabilitating athletes, reduce physical loads in overtrained athletes, and to develop tactical and technical skills in healthy athletes.

Morphological and Performance Biomechanics Profiles of Draft Preparation American-Style Football Players

Background/Objectives: Using advanced methodologies may enhance athlete profiling. This study profiled morphological and laboratory-derived performance biomechanics by position of American-style football players training for the draft. Methods: Fifty-five players were categorized into three groups: Big (e.g., lineman; n = 17), Big–skill (e.g., tight end; n = 11), and Skill (e.g., receiver; n = 27). Body fat (BF%), lean body mass (LBM), and total body mass were measured using a bioelectrical impedance device. Running ground reaction force (GRF) and ground contact time (GCT) were obtained using an instrumented treadmill synchronized with a motion capture system. Dual uniaxial force plates captured countermovement jump height (CMJ-JH), normalized peak power (CMJ-NPP), and reactive strength. Asymmetry was calculated for running force, GCT, and CMJ eccentric and concentric impulse (IMP). MANOVA determined between-group differences, and radar plots for morphological and performance characteristics were created using Z-scores. Results: There was a between-group difference (F(26,80) = 5.70, p < 0.001; Wilk’s Λ = 0.123, partial η2 = 0.649). Fisher’s least squares difference post hoc analyses showed that participants in the Skill group had greater JH, CMJ-NPP, reactive strength, and running GRF values versus Big players but not Big–skill players (p < 0.05). Big athletes had greater BF%, LBM, total body mass, and GCT values than Skill and Big–skill athletes (p < 0.05). Big–skill players had greater GCT asymmetry than Skill and Big players (p < 0.05). Asymmetries in running forces, CMJ eccentric, and concentric IMP were not different (p > 0.05). Morphological and performance biomechanics differences are pronounced between Skill and Big players. Big–skill players possess characteristics from both groups. Laboratory-derived metrics offer precise values of running and jumping force strategies and body composition that can aid sports science researchers and practitioners in refining draft trainee profiles.

The role of deliberation in intuitive decision-making in sports

ABSTRACT In sports, athletes are frequently challenged to make decisions under time constraints. The ability of skilled athletes to make successful and seemingly effortless decisions in these situations is often referred to as intuition. However, how athletes develop intuition remains to be elucidated. A key issue highly debated between proponents of opposing theoretical views is whether the development of intuitive decision-making benefits from the involvement of deliberate cognitive processes (explicit vs. implicit). In this perspective paper, we critically assess theoretical arguments and empirical evidence for these contradictory views. Moreover, by delving into cognitive psychological assumptions rooted in dual-process theory, we elucidate the proposed processes underlying the development of intuitive decision-making. While the use of implicit approaches seems to be increasingly questioned in this domain, a promising recent theoretical proposal argues that intuition is formed through repeated practice of deliberative processes. We argue in favor of this approach and present suggestions for empirical research to test the proposal for the development of intuitive decision-making in sport. Finally, we illustrate suggestions for future research and critically discuss the potential and limitations of such an approach.

The effect of special exercises using some auxiliary tools to develop some bio-kinetic abilities and the accuracy of the crushing and snatch forehand strikes among badminton players

The best means and ways to develop an athlete's physical and skill capabilities, and among these means is the use of training aids that help develop some bio-kinetic abilities, and prepared exercises have had an important role in improving athletic performance in badminton, where the player must possess physical fitness, explosive power, and strength. Characterized by speed as well as accuracy, awareness, and focus while playing on the court, the badminton player must be physically fit through a continuous movement of small and large muscles to achieve good performance, which requires special physical abilities and skills, and the most important of these bio-kinetic abilities are agility, coordination, and measuring the coordination between the eye and the arm. These abilities are needed by the badminton player while playing on the court. The study aimed to prepare special exercises using some auxiliary tools to develop some bio-kinetic abilities and the accuracy of the crushing and lightning forehand strikes among badminton players, in addition to identifying the effect of special exercises using some auxiliary tools on For badminton players, the researcher adopted the experimental method, and the sample number was (10) players from the badminton training center in the Armenian club, aged (17-19). They were distributed into two experimental and control groups, and they were chosen randomly because the research objectives require the use of athletes proficient in the game's technical performance. The researcher applied her main experiment using special exercises with some auxiliary tools, with (4) training units per week for (8) weeks. The results of the study showed that there was a positive effect on the results of bio-kinetic abilities between the two groups and in favor of the experimental group. It was shown in the kinetic response speed test for the first experimental group 7.423, agility 3.012, and compatibility 3.123, and for the second experimental group in the kinetic response speed test 3.208, agility 6.861, and compatibility 6.907. As for the skill tests for the first experimental group, The front smash hit was 7,234 and the diagonal front snap shot was 28.00. It was shown in the skill tests for the second experimental group that the front smash hit was 3,372 and the diagonal front snap shot was 3,400, which included exercises. The researcher recommends adopting the results of this study and disseminating them, and emphasizing equipping the stadiums with modern training methods, due to the results they achieve. Positive physical development serves one of the goals of sustainable development: good health and good education.

Unveiling a hide side of the athlete's heart: a CMR focus on the left atrium.

Abstract Background cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is the gold standard to evaluate cardiac chambers’ dimensions and function, but data on left atrium (LA) dimensions and function among elite athletes are lacking. Objective to describe LA size and function among a cohort of elite athletes and evaluate eventual differences based on sports discipline and gender. Methods We enrolled 120 Olympic athletes with un-remarkable cardiovascular pre-participation screening tests (mean age 25±5 years, 50% males, 25% skill, 25% power, 25% mixed, 25% endurance). All the athletes underwent CMR without contrast administration. LA dimensions, in terms of absolute and indexed area and volume, were computed using 4- and 2-chamber steady state precession cine-sequences. LA ejection fraction (LAEF) and LA coupling index (LACI index, as the ratio between LA and LV end-diastolic volumes) were calculated. Cine-images were also used to analyse atrial deformation with a dedicated offline software to measure LA global longitudinal strain. LA dimensions and function were compared between males and females and athletes of different sports categories based on European classification. Results Among the entire cohort, endurance athletes showed the greatest remodelling in terms of LA and LV dimensions (Table). There were no significant differences in LAEF and LV-EF between athletes of different sport categories (p=0.121 and p=0.679). A trend in increasing LA volumes and decreasing LA strain consistent with a growing cardiovascular demand was observed, but the only statistically significant difference was between skill athletes and all the other groups for LA volumes (p<0.001), while there were no significant differences in LA strain (p=0.170). LACI did not differ between athletes of different sports categories (p=0.170). Female athletes showed higher LAEF and LA strain than males (respectively 55±5 vs 52±6% p=0.012 and 35±7 vs 32±7%, p=0.009) while LACI did not differ based on gender (19±5% for both females and males, p=0.385). Conclusion Among our cohort of Olympics, LA remodelling was observed in all athletes, being less evident in skill group, as for the LV. Thus, the ratio between LA and LV did not differ between sport categories. LAEF and LA strain were not significantly different between athletes of different sports categories although LA strain was slightly lower in endurance. Female athletes showed higher LAEF and LA strain than males, while LACI was not different based on gender.

(S)Tumbling Blocks: Making Sense of and Creating a Model for Mental Blocks in Sport

The yips are a complex phenomenon that leaves athletes unable to perform previously mastered athletic skills. Here, we coin the term athletic skills mental blocks (ASMBs) to collectively define the phenomenon, which has garnered several terms across scholarship and media outlets. Previous ASMBs literature is often post-positivist in nature, offers minimal insight into complex firsthand experiences, includes small sample sizes, and/or analyzes one or two sports. Through a pilot study of 12 tumbling athletes, and a primary study including 16 collegiate and professional athletes and coaches from baseball, golf, and tumbling, this study offers an in-depth understanding of ASMBs that highlights shared ASMB rationalizations across multiple sports. Guided by sensemaking theory, we use a rigorous thematic analysis to draw out themes within four aspects of the experience: phenomenon, perceived causes, strategies to overcome, and consequences. We highlight the role communication plays in ASMBs sensemaking through revealing the importance of internal dialogue and communication with coach, family, and teammates. We offer theoretical implications by illuminating how naming/labeling processes and identity are vital components to ASMB sensemaking and generating an ASMB sensemaking model that can be used in future research. Practically, this research serves sports organizations by expanding the vocabulary surrounding ASMBs and helps destigmatize the mental health complexities inherent in ASMBs across sports.

Digital-based pencak silat learning in Indonesia

The use of digital technology has the potential to increase the effectiveness of learning both theoretical and practical materials with a wide range and not limited to space and time. This research aims to develop a digital-based learning model in the form of a website as a medium to improve the skills of the FPOK student athletes in pencak silat. The method used was research and development which consists of five stages, namely needs analysis, product design, product development, preliminary field test, operational field test (comparative test). The results of this research are web-based teaching materials. The design of digital teaching materials has been validated by lecturers of learning technology, and sports skills at UPI Bandung. The learning process increased in terms of mastery of pencak silat skills, exceeding the achievements of the direct teaching method. Keywords: digital-based learning, pencak silat skills, product development

Improvements in executive functions by domain-specific cognitive training in youth elite soccer players

This study examined the impact of sport-specific cognitive training (CT) on executive functions (EFs) in youth soccer players. Thirty-one athletes (13–15 years) participated, 13 in the intervention group (IG) and 18 in the control group (CG). The IG underwent an 8-week soccer-focused CT program, while the CG maintained regular training. The assessments included working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility tasks. The results revealed no significant improvements in EFs in the IG compared to those in the CG. Both groups showed enhanced cognitive flexibility, possibly due to general cognitive development or learning effects. The study suggested that an 8-week sport-specific CT may not enhance EFs in young soccer players, potentially due to a ceiling effect in highly skilled athletes. These findings should be considered when designing cognitive training programs for athletes, and future research could explore the optimal duration of such programs.

Association of H-reflex parameters and peroneal nerve conduction velocity with dynamic balance and agility in university athletes: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Athletic performance parameters encompass a wide range of physical, physiological, and biomechanical measures that are crucial for evaluating and optimising athletes’ capabilities. There are various intrinsic factors that can contribute to athletic skills, which subsequently impact overall performance. Thus, there is a need to explore significant intrinsic factors associated with athletic parameters, that can provide insights into the physiological mechanisms underlying performance. In this study, we examined the potential relationship of two such intrinsic factors, namely the H-reflex and the peroneal nerve conduction velocity, with athletic skills like dynamic balance and agility. Forty-five university-level athletes of all genders playing for different teams of Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi, India were selected. All athletes underwent tibial H-reflex, peroneal NCV, mSEBT (for dynamic balance), and agility T-test evaluations. The Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated to evaluate the association of nerve function parameters (H-reflex and NCV) with athletic performance parameters (dynamic balance and agility). Results showed that H-reflex amplitude showed a significant negative correlation with both dynamic balance scores (Dominant Leg [DL]: r = −0.321 and ; Non-dominant leg [NDL]: r = −0.397 and ) and T-test scores (DL: r = −0.342; NDL: r = −0.321, ), respectively. The peroneal NCV was significantly positively correlated with dynamic balance (DL: r = 0.438 and ; NDL: r = 0.418 and ) and agility scores (DL: r = 0.639 and ; NDL: r = 0.641 and ) in athletes. In conclusion, significant associations were found between H-reflex and Peroneal nerve conduction velocity and key athletic performance parameters like dynamic balance and agility among university athletes. This implies that neural function is closely linked with athletic skills and performance. Registered in Clinical Trials Registry-India (CTRI) under registration number: REF/2023/11/075394.

Survey on the Basic Technical Skills of Fast Walking Athletes in Lahat Regency

This study aims to determine the essential technical skills of fast-walking athletes in Lahat Regency. This research uses quantitative descriptive research methods along with survey methods. The population for this study was all 13 speed-walking athletes who took part in training at the Regency Athletic Club. The sample in this research was 13 people, and the total sampling technique was used. Research data was collected using a fast-walking test. The data analysis technique used in processing research data is analyzed using descriptive statistical methods in the form of mean, mode, standard deviation, and coefficient of variance. The results showed that two athletes (15.38%) had the essential technical skills of fast-walking athletes in the outstanding category. Five athletes (38.46%) had the essential technical skills of fast-walking athletes in the excellent category, and 6 Athletes (46.15%) had the basic technical skills of fast-walking athletes in the poor category. It can be concluded that the basic technical skills of fast-walking athletes in Lahat Regency are still at a poor stage, so an analysis of the factors that influence the basic technical skills of fast-walking athletes is needed, and special training methods are also needed to improve the basic technical skills of fast walking athletes in Kabul. Lahat patent.

Survey Ability Futsal Shooting Accuracy of Ramayana Futsal Athletes

This study aims to assess the shooting accuracy of athletes at the Ramayana Futsal Club using quantitative descriptive research methods combined with survey techniques. The study focused on a total population of 25 athletes who participated in training sessions at the club. A total sampling approach was employed, meaning all 25 athletes were included in the study sample to ensure comprehensive data collection and analysis. The primary objective was to evaluate the shooting accuracy levels among these athletes and categorize their performance. The results of the research revealed that a significant portion of the athletes demonstrated vital shooting accuracy. Specifically, 40% of the participants achieved shooting accuracy within the outstanding category, indicating a high level of proficiency. Another 48% of the athletes fell into the excellent category, reflecting a solid but slightly less optimal shooting performance. However, 12% of the athletes were categorized as having poor shooting accuracy, suggesting areas that need improvement. From these findings, it can be concluded that while the overall shooting accuracy of the Ramayana Futsal athletes is generally good, there is room for improvement. The results highlight the need for a thorough analysis of shooting accuracy factors and suggest that a specialized training model should be developed. Such a model would aim to address the specific deficiencies and enhance the shooting skills of athletes, thereby improving their overall performance on the field.

Study of psychophysiological indicators of sensorimotor Integration in PTSD. Justification of the choice of targets for biofeedback

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an actual medico-social problem. The pathogenesis of PTSD closely relates to impairment of sensorimotor integration (SMI). The effectiveness of psychosomatic disorder therapy for PTSD rehabilitation can be improved by restoring normal sensorimotor integration. The review examines various autonomic, electro-physiological and postural markers of high sensory motor integration in highly skilled athletes and musicians, as well as impairment of these indices in persons with PTSD. We have established that the most accessible and informative indicators of SMI are: an increase in EEG power in the individually adjusted high-frequency alpha-band, a reduction in energy demands for posture control and a decrease in the electromyographic activity of redundant muscles, not involved in motor-cognitive dual task. In the future, it is planned to use these indicators to diagnose stress disorders and to develop sensorimotor integration recovery training in patients with PTSD.

The Influence of Small Sided Games Training Method: Passing Amateur Athletes Football Players

Improving the basic skills of amateur athletes is a big task for a coach, one of which is the game of football itself. This study aims to determine the effect of small sided games training on the passing skills of football players. This study is a type of experimental research of one group pretest-posttest design with 16 treatments. The population in this study is 40 people, then the 40 population is not all used, only 24 athletes meet the criteria as subjects in this study. The instruments in this study are tests, observations, interviews, and documentation. The validity of the test in this study was 0.812 and the reliability was 0.879. The data analysis techniques of this study use prerequisite tests including normality tests, homogeneity tests, and t-test or t-est. The results of this study prove that small sided games-based training has a significant impact on the accuracy of passing in football games. This is proven by the results of data analysis in this study with a percentage of 0.000 < 0.05, thus the hypothesis in the study is proven to have an influence on Yogyakarta State University football athletes. Then it was strengthened by the statistical results of the Mann Whitney test with asymp values. Sig. (2-tailed) by 0.750 > 0.05. So based on these results, it can be concluded that the Small Sided Games Training Method has a significant impact on the results of passing skills in amateur athletes of the Student Activity Unit of Yogyakarta State University.

Neuromuscular Control Strategies in Basketball Shooting: Distance-Dependent Analysis of Muscle Synergies.

Basketball victory relies on an athlete's skill to make precise shots at different distances. While extensive research has explored the kinematics and dynamics of different shooting distances, the specific neuromuscular control strategies involved remain elusive. This study aimed to compare the differences in muscle synergies during basketball shooting at different distances, offering insights into neuromuscular control strategies and guiding athletes' training. Ten skilled shooting right-handed male basketball players participated as subjects in this experiment. Electromyographic (EMG) data for full-phase shooting were acquired at short (3.2 m), middle (5.0 m), and long (6.8 m) distances. Non-negative matrix decomposition extracted muscle synergies (motor modules and motor primitives) during shooting. The results of this study show that all three distance shooting can be broken down into three synergies and that there were differences in the synergies between short and long distances, with differences in motor primitive 1 and motor primitive 2 at the phase of 45% - 59% (p < 0.001, t* = 4.418), and 78% - 88% (p < 0.01, t* = 4.579), respectively, and differences in the motor module 3 found in the differences in muscle weights for rectus femoris (RF) (p = 0.001, d = -2.094), and gastrocnemius lateral (GL) (p = 0.001, d = -2.083). Shooting distance doesn't affect the number of muscle synergies in basketball shooting but alters synergy patterns. During long distance shooting training, basketball players should place more emphasis on the timing and synergistic activation of upper and lower limbs, as well as core muscles.

Psychological Skill of University Basketball Athletes in Each Playing Position in Indonesia

The role of psychological skills in sport is one of the cores of research and practice in sports psychology. Even if there is, especially in basketball sport, it is limited to an overview of the physical aspects. For this reason, this research was aimed of examining whether there is a difference in psychological skills of basketball athletes in each playing position based on five playing positions, namely point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and center. The study was conducted using a quantitative descriptive method with a retrospective causal-comparative design, or ex-post facto design, on 100 basketball athletes from seven provinces spread across 31 universities in Indonesia, consisting of 38 male athletes and 62 female athletes. All collected data were analyzed using one way-ANOVA technique. The results of the analysis found that there were differences in the psychological skills of university basketball athletes in each playing position of in Indonesia. According to the results of the analysis for psychological skills by playing position in Indonesian university basketball athletes in Table 3, (F(4,99) = 3.483, significant at p = 0.011 &amp;lt;0.05. The point guard position shows the highest psychological characteristics, while the lowest score is occupied by the small forward position. Coaches can use the results of this study to better understand the psychological characteristics of athletes in different playing positions as well as developing more appropriate types of psychological skills training interventions to each playing position.

Morphometric correlates of the physical development structure of combat athletes in the process of ensuring special work capacity

Background and Study Aim. Despite extensive training, combat athletes often face challenges in optimizing their physical development to enhance performance and work capacity. This study aims to examine the interrelations of key parameters within the physical development (PD) structure of highly skilled combat athletes in the process of ensuring special work capacity. Material and Methods. Between 30 and 83 wrestlers of different weight categories and skill levels, all members of the national teams of Ukraine in freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, and judo, participated in various studies. The age of the subjects ranged from 18 to 31 years. The combat athletes aged 18-24 years old were students of Ukrainian universities. A total of 56 indices of PD, speed-strength fitness, and special work capacity of the combat athletes were registered. The special work capacity of wrestlers was estimated based on the intensity of performing 15 specialized throws of a partner of equal weight in 3 series. Each series of throws was performed 3 times, with a rest interval of 1 minute between the series. Results. The studies revealed that in the morphometric component of combat athlete PD structure, the circumference dimensions of the body are more integrated compared to the longitudinal, transverse, anteroposterior dimensions, and other parameters. The most highly interconnected circumferences are those of the neck, thorax, relaxed and tensed shoulder, forearm, hip, and shin. These parameters show the highest correlation with both the athletes' skill level and the integral parameters of PD, such as body weight, surface area, weight category, and Quetelet index. An increase in wrestlers' skill level is associated with an increase in the neck, chest, shoulder, and hip circumferences. It also correlates with the enhancement of anaerobic work capacity and the formation of the morphofunctional profile of highly skilled combat athletes. Multiple regression models reflecting these dependencies were developed. Conclusions. The thorax, thigh, shoulder, and neck circumferences are key parameters of the morphometric component of combat athlete PD structure. They are the most integrated into the general structure of physical fitness and determine the integral parameters of PD, the level of anaerobic work capacity, and the strength endurance of wrestlers with a high degree of accuracy. The specificity of improving PD structure and special fitness of combat athletes is manifested in the fact that, as the athlete's skill level increases, the volumes of the thorax, neck, shoulder, and thigh increase to the greatest extent. Their interrelations among themselves, with the integral parameters of PD, and with the level of anaerobic work capacity, speed, and speed-strength endurance tend to enhance. The developed models can be used for predicting the PD structure of combat athletes of different skill levels and weight categories. They can also be utilized for assessing special work capacity and designing appropriate normative evaluation scales.

Effects of Pilates Training on Physical, Physiological and Psychological Performance in Young/Adolescent Volleyball Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Young athletes are constantly developing, and their performance reflects this ongoing process. By understanding performance variations and implementing appropriate training strategies, coaches and stakeholders can help young athletes develop their skills and athletic potential, as well as psychological well-being. Volleyball skills, such as explosive strength and serving precision, play a crucial role in determining the outcomes of volleyball matches. In contrast, mental well-being contributes to enhancing psychological performance. This prospective, randomized, parallel-group trial investigates the effectiveness of Pilates for young volleyball players. We investigated whether Pilates improves certain individual volleyball skills (explosive strength and serving precision) and certain psychological aspects (state of mindfulness) in young, male, 12–14-year-old athletes. Participation in this 12-week study involved 40 athletes (PG = 20; CG = 20). The Control Group had regular training and the Pilates Group had regular training plus twenty-four additional Pilates sessions. The Pilates Group showed a significant improvement in the variables under investigation by 4–7% (p &lt; 0.001). Pilates training can improve individual volleyball skills in young male athletes and may also benefit overall psychophysical development. This study suggests that incorporating Pilates into training programs for young volleyball players can be beneficial for individual skill development and potentially overall psychophysical well-being, assuming an important role in the educational development of the young.

Analysis of the main physical condition factors in petanque

Physical condition is a crucial factor in enhancing athlete performance. Athletes with good physical condition have a greater chance of reaching peak performance. This research aims to analyze the dominant physical condition factors of petanque athletes in Central Java. The research utilized tests and measurements on a sample of 58 athletes and employed confirmatory analysis techniques. The results indicate that seven factors influence petanque skills. Body height has a correlation value of 1.352 with a significance value of 0.000. Arm length has a correlation value of -0.641 with a significance value of 0.015. Palm length has a correlation value of -0.573 with a significance value of 0.002. Arm muscle strength has a correlation value of 0.041 with a significance value of 0.000. Hand-eye coordination has a correlation value of 3.017 with a significance value of 0.000. Grip strength has a correlation value of -0.233 with a significance value of 0.008. Static balance has a correlation value of 0.359 with a significance value of 0.000. However, two factors do not significantly influence the playing skills of petanque athletes in Central Java: trunk flexibility, which has a correlation value of -0.15 with a significance value of 0.159, and endurance, with a correlation value of 0.085 and a significance value of 0.359. In conclusion, the main physical condition factors in petanque include body height, arm length, palm length, arm muscle strength, hand-eye coordination, grip strength, and static balance. The novelty of this research lies in its potential use by coaches as a reference for providing appropriate training to improve the physical condition of petanque athletes. This study is limited to petanque athletes in Central Java. Keywords: athletes, petanque, physical condition.