TEACHING USING THE IMAGINATIVE PERFORMANCE METHOD IN TABLE TENNIS AND ITS EFFECT ON THE ACCURACY OF THE FOREHAND, BACKHAND, AND SERVE

Abstract

Background. Visualization training in table tennis is one of the methods and techniques used by teachers and coaches to teach the basic skills of the sport. It relies heavily on mental imagery, which feeds into kinesthetic imagery, fundamental to the learner's mastery of basic skills. Objectives. The research focuses on the effect of shadow training on developing forehand stroke, backhand blocking and serving skills. Method. The researcher used the experimental method with two groups, a control group and an experimental group, with pre-tests and post-tests. The research sample consisted of (10) students for each group, selected purposively. The data was treated statistically using the statistical package (SPSS) by computer. Results. Results show shadowing training for the experimental group and the regular program for the control group resulted in positive progress in the three research skills, and the differences between the pre-tests and post-tests were statistically significant in favor of the post-tests. Conclusion. Shadowing training for the experimental group resulted in significantly better progress than the regular program for the control group, and the differences between the post-tests and post-tests were statistically significant in favor of the experimental group.