Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research

Analysis of Game Variables and Influence on Defensive Success in Elite Handball

Iván González-García — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Background: The analysis of defensive game variables in handball is essential to increase the performance of a team.

Objectives: This study aimed to analyse defensive success based on the game variables and situational variables that predict defensive efficiency in elite handball.

Methods: The sample was composed of 1925 competition units in the defensive phase. Data from 16 matches of the XXIII Men's Handball World Championship of 2013 were analysed. The dependent variable was the defensive efficiency in each unit, and the independent variables were defensive actions, zones of field, location of the shot, numerical situation, and duration of the defense. Data were obtained from the HandballTAS tool (Handball Tactic Analysis System). The collected data were analysed quantitatively through inferential statistics (independent sample t-test) with the assistance of SPSS 22.0.

Results: The defenses analysed in which an offensive foul, a ball recovery or steal, a throw block and a passive play action were recorded, achieved defensive success. In the analysis of field areas, the greatest defensive efficiency was obtained in shots from zone 1, with 60%, and from zone 2, with 54%. The highest percentages of goalkeeper effectiveness correspond to the middle zone, and the central zone. The greatest defensive efficiency was obtained in a warning of passive play situation with 70% and in numerical superiority situation with 67%. Finally, in the analysis of the duration, the greatest defensive efficiency was obtained in the half defenses (26 ≤ 50 seconds) with 60%.

Conclusion: This study serves to demonstrate which defensive game variables have the greatest influence on defensive efficiency. This aspect will serve to help the coach make decisions during a handball match and increase the probability of success in each defense.

Effect of High Heeled Shoe Sole to the Vertical Jump Performance of Volleyball Women Student Athletes

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Background: The study investigates the effect of wearing high heeled shoe soles on the vertical jump performance of volleyball women student athletes compared to their performance in standard footwear. This research aims to address the problem of whether high heeled shoe soles negatively affect vertical jump ability, which is a critical factor in their sport performance.

Objectives: This study investigated the influence of high heeled shoe soles on female volleyball athletes' vertical leap performance.

Methods: Using a quasi-experimental design, the study included 15 female volleyball student-athletes from Batangas State University TNEU JPLPC-Malvar Campus in 2023-2024. Participants performed vertical jump tests under two conditions—wearing high heeled shoe soles and standard footwear—over two weeks, with three attempts per condition. Paired t-tests assessed performance differences between the two footwear types.

Results: Results indicated that wearing high heeled shoe soles significantly improved jump heights, with average increases of 2.13 inches initially and 3.6 inches in post-tests. Statistical analysis yielded t-test values of 35.87 for pre-performance and 697.14 for post-performance, both showing significant gains.

Conclusion: The study concludes that high heeled shoe soles positively influence vertical jump performance in female volleyball athletes, suggesting that this footwear could enhance athletic outcomes.

Body Composition Analysis Junior Basketball Players

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Athletes must maintain top physical condition to compete, with body composition a crucial indicator. Skeletal muscle mass and body fat are related to performance, with a lower fat percentage increasing physical ability. Nutritional needs also play a role, where athletes consume carbohydrates for 60-70% of their energy. These factors are essential for optimal performance and overall health.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the body composition of junior basketball athletes regarding gender.

Methods: This study employed a rigorous cross-sectional research design to analyze the body composition measurements of elite athletes and junior basketball players. The participants were carefully selected based on age, injury history, national-level achievements, and recent injury training. A total of 24 junior basketball athletes, evenly split between elite junior male and female athletes, participated in the test. The data was meticulously analyzed using Minitab software and the T-test to determine gender differences, ensuring the validity and reliability of the results.

Results: The athletes were aged 16-17, weighing 50-65 kg to 95-108 kg. They had BMI characteristics of 8.3% underweight, 79.2% normal, 12.5% overweight, and 0% obese. Significant differences were found in body composition characteristics for each gender. The T-test results show significant differences between the variables with a P value <0.05.

Conclusion: They indicate that female basketball athletes tend to have a higher fat percentage, while male athletes typically possess significantly greater muscle mass. These insights can be instrumental in developing gender-specific training and nutrition programs, thereby enhancing the performance and health of junior basketball athletes.

Mental Toughness and Adaptability in Game Matches Towards Resiliency of Sepaktakraw Athletes

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Background: This study investigates how mental toughness and adaptability in game matches contribute to the resiliency of Sepaktakraw athletes in the field of competitive challenges.

Objectives: This study explored the impact of mental toughness and adaptability on the resilience of Sepaktakraw athletes facing competitive challenges.

Methods: Conducted during the 2023-2024 academic year, the research involved 60 male athletes aged 18-22 from Batangas State University, each with 4-8 years of experience in the sport. Using a descriptive-correlational approach, the study assessed athletes’ perceptions of mental toughness and resilience through the 4C’s Psychological framework—Challenge, Commitment, Control, and Confidence.

Results: Findings highlighted the role of mental toughness and adaptability in strengthening athletes’ resilience. Consequently, the study proposed tailored training activities focused on enhancing these traits in gameplay. Presented in tabular form, each activity includes specific objectives designed to help athletes develop coping mechanisms for setbacks, maintain focus, and improve mental toughness.

Conclusion: By engaging in these targeted training exercises, teamwork, and community interactions, athletes are expected to build the resilience needed to overcome competitive challenges and achieve success in Sepaktakraw.

The Efficacy of Virtual Physical Education and Its Contribution to Raising Learners' Interest and Engagement Levels

Dickson Mdhlalose — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Schools are reluctant to adapt physical education to virtual as it would be challenging to do physical education via virtual learning.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the contemporary efficacy of virtual physical education and its contribution to raising learners' interest and engagement levels.

Methods: This study employed an exploratory research design. The content was compiled using various printed and electronic textbooks, encyclopedias, reference materials, scholarly publications, and dissertations. Subsequently, the author assessed the multiple sources to ascertain the data's caliber.

Results: Conventional education is obsolete; thus, schools should adopt virtual physical education due to its positive outcomes in education regarding learners' performance by increasing learners' interest and engagement.

Conclusion: A properly planned and well-implemented virtual physical education, well-trained and experienced educators, well-guided learners, proper infrastructure, and supporting resources result in learners being interested and engaged, thus leading virtual physical education to success. This study bridges the gap between virtual physical education and learners' interest and engagement, adding to the existing corpus of information concerning virtual physical education.

Analysis of stroke rate (SR) and Stroke Length (SL) the Three Fastest Breaststroke Swimmers at the Tokyo Olympics 2021

Novan Purnama Alim, Supriatna Supriatna, Yulingga Nanda Hanief — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Swimming velocity results from a combination of stroke rate (SR) and stroke length (SL). Previously, it was rare to find studies that discussed the pattern of SR and SL length in Olympic swimmers, especially in breaststroke swimmers, as a benchmark reference in a study.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the practical pattern of the stroke rate (SR) and stroke length (SL) of 100 m and 200 m breaststroke swimmers ranked first to third at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

Methods: This study uses quantitative descriptive analysis research with non-test techniques using observation. These non-test techniques involve the systematic observation and recording of the SR and SL length of breaststroke swimmers at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, as this study aims to determine their patterns.

Results: The results of this study show: in the 100 meters breaststroke men's effective SR pattern (45-75 strokes/min) and SL length (1.33-2.14 m/stroke); 200 meters breaststroke men's effective SR pattern (33-49 strokes/min) and SL length (1.55-2.77 m/stroke); 100 meters breaststroke women's effective SR pattern (30-63 strokes/min) and SL length (1-2.14 m/stroke); and 200 meters breaststroke women's effective SR pattern (32-48 strokes/min) and SL length (1.6-2.5 m/stroke).

Conclusion: This research concludes that the effective pattern of SR and SL of 100 m and 200 m breaststroke swimmers, as identified in the results, can serve as a benchmark for understanding and improving the performance of competitive breaststroke swimmers.