Impact of Special Exercises on Developing Motor Balance and Technical Performance in the Discus Throw for Female Students

Abstract

Through interviews the two researchers had with faculty members of the college and discussions with them, it became evident that there is a weakness in motor skills due to the lack of special exercises aimed at improving motor balance among female students. This has led to a deficiency in the technical performance of this activity. The aim of this research was to develop special exercises and examine their impact on enhancing motor balance and technical performance in the discus throw for female students. Both researchers hypothesized that there would be no statistically significant differences between pre-test and post-test scores of the research samples regarding motor balance and technical performance in the discus throw. The research samples consisted of 20 second-year students from the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences for Women for the academic year 2023-2024, and they were homogeneous. The researchers used questionnaires and tests as tools to achieve the research objectives. They adopted a dynamic balance test involving transitions over markers and a performance evaluation test for the discus throw activity. After conducting the pre-tests, the specially designed exercises were implemented, which varied by using plastic discs, a rotating disc, kettlebells, and hanging ropes. The program was carried out over a period of 8 weeks, comprising 16 educational units. Following this, post-tests were conducted on the research sample, and the researchers employed statistical packages to analyze the results. The researchers concluded that special exercises had a positive impact on both motor balance and technical performance in the discus throw for female students, as evidenced by the significant differences favoring the post-test results. It became clear that the female students achieved a better technical performance in the discus throw activity. The researchers recommended the necessity of using educational programs that focus on motor skill variables, including motor balance, within physical and skill preparation programs for female students. This aligns with one of the United Nations' sustainable development goals in Iraq, which is quality education, to provide students with opportunities to acquire diverse skills through various learning methods. and this achieves one of the sustainable development goals of the United Nations in Iraq which is (Good Health).