Effects of combined physical and game simulation training on motor skills and backhand smash stability in adolescent table tennis players
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v80.119164Keywords:
adolescent athletes, game simulation, motor skills, stroke stability, table tennisAbstract
Introduction: Motor skills and performance stability are critical determinants of success in table tennis, particularly in executing the backhand smash, which requires consistent movement patterns and adaptability to dynamic game situations. However, limited research has examined the integrated effects of physical conditioning and game-based simulation on stroke stability in adolescent players.
Objective: This study aimed to examine the effects of a combined physical and game simulation training program on motor skills and backhand smash stability in adolescent table tennis players.
Methodology: A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control group design was used. Sixty adolescent players (aged 13–17 years) from three clubs in Makassar were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 30) and a control group (n = 30). The experimental group received combined physical and game simulation training, while the control group followed conventional technique-based training. The intervention lasted eight weeks with three sessions per week. Motor skills were assessed using a table tennis skill test, and stroke stability was evaluated through video-based motion analysis. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and MANOVA (p < 0.05).
Results: The experimental group showed significantly greater improvements in motor skills (Δ = 13.8, p < 0.001) and backhand smash stability (Δ = 0.13, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed a significant overall effect (p = 0.001), with large effect sizes for motor skills (η² = 0.41) and moderate-to-large effects for stability (η² = 0.33).
Conclusion: These findings provide novel evidence that integrating physical training with game simulation is more effective than conventional methods in improving motor skills and stroke stability in adolescent table tennis players.
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