The Effect of Compound Leg Movement Exercises According to the Loughborough Fitness Test on Developing some Physical Abilities in Young Handball Players

Abstract

The importance of this scientific research lies in several methodological and scientific aspects. This research contributes to enriching the scientific literature in the field of sports training, particularly regarding the structure of exercises when applied to the basic physical abilities of junior handball players, relying on standardized measurement tools such as the Loughborough fitness test. The researcher used a single-group pre-test/post-test experimental design with a single sample, as permitted by the fieldwork conditions. This design is distinguished by its ability to measure the change resulting from the application of the training program under study. Furthermore, it is one of the most suitable designs for sports research dealing with physical and motor abilities. The research population consists of 16 junior handball players from the Diyala Club. This population is considered suitable for research because the junior age group represents the foundational stage in building and developing physical and skill abilities, making them one of the groups most in need of training programs based on precise scientific principles. The sample was selected purposively, and (4) players were excluded due to non-compliance with pre- or post-measurement procedures and frequent absence from training sessions during the program. Thus, the research sample reached 80% of the original population as the arrangment process was carried out for the sample. Within the limits of the research sample, the research methodology used, and the nature of the statistical methods used to analyze the results. The researcher concluded that the game-like exercises implemented by the experimental group showed a positive effect on improving the post-test results. There was also an advantage in the post-test results in favor of the experimental group in all physical variables. The most important recommendations were considering  the exercises used with the training young handball players, as well as adopting other game-like tests at different times