The effectiveness of a fun learning program on some basic skills and motor abilities for junior football players (11-12) years old
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v80.119443Keywords:
Effectiveness, fun learning, program, skills and motor abilities for junior, football playersAbstract
Introduction and Objective: Physical education and early sports specialization require innovative, engaging pedagogical approaches to sustain motivation and properly develop young athletes. Regular training can often become repetitive, making the integration of play-centric methodologies essential for holistic development. This research aimed to identify the effectiveness of a fun learning program on selected basic skills and motor abilities for junior football players aged 11 to 12 years.
Methodology: The researcher adopted an experimental method using a single-group design with pre-test, intermediate, and post-test measurements. The sample was randomly selected from fifth-grade students aged 11 to 12 at Gilgamesh Primary School in the Diyala Education Directorate during the 2025/2026 academic year. Out of 30 students, 5 were excluded, leaving a basic sample of 15 students and a pilot sample of 10 students for scientific coefficients. Physical and skill tests were utilized alongside an experimental program incorporating role-playing and cooperative learning strategies.
Results: The data analysis revealed statistically significant differences between the means of the pre, intermediate, and post-measurements of the experimental group, strongly favoring the post-measurement outcomes. The findings contrasted favorably with existing literature, demonstrating that incorporating structured play and cooperative styles yields superior skill acquisition compared to traditional, rigid training structures found in baseline studies.
Conclusions: The suggested fun learning program proved highly effective, and it is highly recommended to apply this specific program to teach basic skills and motor abilities to junior football players.
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