A Modified Tennis Ball Game Model Improves Forehand and Backhand Skills in Mini Tennis Athletes

Abstract

Purpose.The problem in this study is the still low forehand and backhand stroke ability of mini tennis athletes aged 8-10 years in Lampung, which is caused by training methods that are still conventional and less interesting for early childhood as well as coordination between body parts that have not been fully integrated, leg and core muscle strength is still limited, and the ability to anticipate the ball is low. Method. This study aims to test effective and interesting tennis ball modification game model to improve forehand and backhand skills. while the sample was taken using a total sampling technique of 20 athletes where these athletes have the same age, gender, motor skills. The data collection technique was carried out by testing forehand and backhand strokes using validated instruments. Data were analyzed using a t-test. The results showed that there was a significant increase in forehand and backhand skills after the application of the model, with a calculated t value = 13.64 (p <0.05). The tennis ball modification game model proved to be effective and interesting for children aged 8-10 years who previously took initial data, then given treatment and after that the final data was taken. The weakness of this study is the relatively small number of samples and was only conducted in one club. Therefore, further research with larger samples and more diverse locations is recommended