Developing an Integrated Cognitive Training Program to Improve Volleyball Skills for High School Students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60027/iarj.2026.e294106Keywords:
Cognitive Training, Volleyball Skills, High School StudentsAbstract
Background and Aims: Traditional high school volleyball training methods often focus on repetitive technical drills without adequately addressing cognitive development, potentially limiting students' ability to perform effectively in dynamic competitive environments. This study aimed to develop and evaluate an integrated cognitive training program that simultaneously enhances volleyball technical skills and cognitive abilities in high school students aged 16-18 years.
Methodology: The experimental group received an 8-week integrated cognitive training program combining traditional volleyball skills (passing, serving, spiking, receiving) with cognitive components (perception, attention, reaction, decision-making). The control group underwent conventional training. Assessment tools included four validated volleyball skill tests (Static Jump.
Spiking Test, Basic Serve Accuracy Test, Static Passing Test, Dynamic Serve-and-Receive Test; IOC≥0.95) and three cognitive ability measures (Visual-Spatial Perception Test, Selective Attention Test, Tactical Decision Simulation Test; IOC≥0.90). Pre-test, mid-test (4 weeks), and post-test
(8 weeks) Assessments were conducted. Data analysis utilized independent samples t-tests, repeated measures ANOVA, and Bonferroni post hoc tests, with statistical significance set at p<0.05.
Results: The experimental group demonstrated significantly superior performance compared to the control group in spike hit accuracy (63.00±6.76% vs 42.70±12.66%, p<0.001), tactical decision-making reaction time (662.5±93.620ms vs 820.30±47.41ms, p<0.001), and visual perception accuracy (85.10±8.89% vs 74.30±9.58%, p<0.001). Within-group analysis revealed progressive improvements across all measured variables with effect sizes ranging from moderate to large (η²G=0.11-0.50).
Conclusion: The integrated cognitive training program effectively improved both volleyball technical skills and cognitive performance in high school students, supporting holistic youth sport development approaches.
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