The effects of verbal and visual feedback on performance and learning freestyle swimming in novice swimmers

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of feedback on freestyle learning and performance of novice swimmers. Sixty male (Mage=18.7, SD=1.82) first year students were randomly assigned into four groups: self-modeling, expert-modeling, verbal, and control group. The intervention program lasted for seven weeks. Participants were evaluated in 25m freestyle swimming, with a pool buoy between the legs and breathing every three hands through a pre-test, a post-test and a retention test. The result revealed that self-modeling group was the most effective, in comparison with the other types of feedback, in terms of improvement of the technique in novice swimmers. There were no differences between groups in the speed performance of 25m free style swimming. Overall, the present study provides valuable evidence for the effects of self-modeling on performance in freestyle swimming, and encourages research to further explore such effects between different types of feedback in real training conditions

THE EFFECT OF SELF-REGULATED FEEDBACK ON ACQUISITION AND LEARNING THE OVERHAND SERVICE SKILL OF NOVICE FEMALE ATHLETES IN VOLLEYBALL

The purpose of the present research was to study the effect of self-regulated feedback on the acquisition and learning of the volleyball overhand service skill in novice female players 10-11 years old. Twenty-eight (28) novice female athletes aged 10-11 years old and with a 2- year training experience participated in this study. The female athletes were randomly divided into two groups, the experimental (n=14) and the control group (n=14). The athletes of both groups followed a five week training program with two units per week, which included drills for the learning of the service skill. The athletes of the experimental group were able to ask for feedback whenever they wished, while the athletes of the control group followed the program for learning the skill, taking feedback (knowledge of performance), whenever it was considered necessary by the coach. The results showed that there were significant differences between the two groups in learning the skill. Specifically, the experimental group was better at all the elements of the service skill, except for the throw of the ball, which apparently is due to lack of coordination of athletes at this age. It is suggested that coaches can use the self-regulated feedback, for better performance and learning and to develop athletes’ internal cognitive processes

The attentional focus impact on tennis skills’ technique in 10 and under years old players: Implications for real game situations

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of the internal and external focus of attention instructions on performance and learning of the service, forehand and backhand tennis skills at 8 – 9 years old tennis players. 68 participants of 8 – 9 years old (M=8.8, SD=0.54), were divided in three groups and followed a 6 weeks intervention program; the internal attentional focus group (N=21), the external attentional group (N=23) and the control group (N=24). Three measurements were implemented (pre, post, retention) in which the participants were video recorded: a) while performing each skill and b) while playing matches in real game situations. Due to the qualitative evaluation of the technique five assessment criteria were used, whilst due to performance outcome evaluation one part of the Game Performance Assessment Instrument (GPAI) was used. Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed significant interaction between groups and measurements and Bonferroni post hoc showed that the athletes of external focus of attention group had better scores in the post-test in the skills’ technique and in real game condition. The findings are in line with those of previous studies, which proved the superiority of external focus of attention instructions in performance and learning of object manipulation skills. Moreover, the present research makes an initial attempt to extend the already existing research about attentional focus impact on real game performance

TEACHING LIFE SKILLS THROUGH VOLLEYBALL PASSING SKILL TO CHILDREN 9-11 YEARS OLD

The purpose of this research was to examine the effect of teaching life skills through the volleyball passing skill, of 44 primary school female children and their perceived satisfaction with the program. The sample was randomly assigned into two groups. The life skills group (LSG, n= 23) and the control group (CG, n= 21). All participants followed a six-week practice program aiming the passing skill learning. For the participants of LSG the program was combined with the components of goal setting, problem-solving and positive thinking. The control group received typical teaching and feedback provided by the PE teacher. All participants were evaluated in three measurements: pre-test, post-test and retention test. A qualitative evaluation (five main elements) of the passing technique, which was recorded by the digital camera, was used. Also, a common format for evaluating life skills knowledge perceptions and transfer (10-item questionnaire), which was developed in the Greek population by Papacharisis (2004) based on the work of Hogan (2000), and also a questionnaire for the perceived satisfaction of the students was used (Alexandris, Tsorbatzoudis & Grouios, 2004a, 2004b). Anova repeated measures show that participants of the LSG improved passing skill (p<.05) and showed a positive reception of the program by the students who learned interesting and useful things for their life in general, transferable to other aspects in their life, besides sports. The results of the study support the effectiveness of the life skills program that integrated volleyball passing skill learning, life skills improvement and participants’ perceived satisfaction of the program.  Article visualizations