Comparative Impact of Command and Exploratory Training Methods on Sunback Spike Skills in Sepaktakraw: A Case Study of PPLP West Sumatera Athletes

Abstract

This study investigates the comparative impact of command and exploratory training methods on the effectiveness of sunback spike skills in sepaktakraw athletes at the PPLP West Sumatra. Using an experimental design, 30 male athletes were selected and homogeneously grouped based on a pre-test of their sunback spike skills. The athletes were divided into two groups using matched subject ordinal pairing, where Group 1 (K1) received command-based training, and Group 2 (K2) received exploratory-based training. Both methods were found to improve the athletes’ sunback spike performance significantly. Statistical analysis revealed that the command training method had a more substantial effect, with a t-value of 7.56, compared to the exploratory method’s t-value of 5.03, both exceeding the critical value (1.76). Additionally, command training demonstrated superior efficacy in enhancing sunback spike ability, as indicated by a t-value of 8.92, which surpassed the threshold value (1.734). The findings recommend that coaches integrate both methods into training programs, emphasizing the command approach for optimal skill development. Future research should address limitations such as sample size to validate these findings further and expand their applicability.