Traditional Games and Motor Ability: Their Interaction in Enhancing Long Jump Performance in Elementary School Students

Abstract

The development of motor skills during childhood plays a crucial role in overall physical fitness and athletic performance. Traditional games, which hold cultural significance, serve as an effective method for enhancing these skills. This study aimed to investigate the comparative effects of two traditional games Engklek and Lompat Tali on the long jump performance of elementary school students, while considering different levels of motor ability. Specifically, it examined whether traditional game interventions could enhance motor skills (agility, coordination, explosive power, and speed) and translate into improved long jump outcomes. A factorial experimental design (2 × 2) was employed with a sample of 24 male students, aged 10–11 years, selected through purposive sampling. The participants were divided into two groups based on the traditional game intervention (Engklek or Lompat Tali) and further classified by motor ability levels (high or low). Motor skills were assessed using standardized tests measuring agility, coordination, explosive power, and speed. Long jump performance was evaluated based on four components: take-off, push, flight, and landing. Data analysis included normality and homogeneity tests, followed by a two-way ANOVA using SPSS version 23, with a significance level of p < 0.05. The results indicate significant differences in long jump performance between students who participated in Engklek and those in Lompat Tali. Furthermore, a significant interaction effect was found between traditional games and motor ability levels. Students with high motor ability showed greater improvements in long jump skills compared to those with low motor ability, with variations observed between the two traditional game groups. These findings highlight the potential of integrating traditional games into physical education as a culturally relevant and engaging approach to improving motor skills and athletic performance. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term benefits of traditional games in broader sports training contexts.