Modern Sport

Research Summary

The training process is no longer a random process where results are achieved through trial and error executed by the coach. Instead, planning and organization by the coaching staff have become one of the key pillars in achieving quantitative performance.

In the field of sports, there are three major factors that play a significant role in sports training: (the coach, the curriculum, and the athlete). These areas are interconnected and cannot be neglected.

The aim of the research was to identify the competencies that should be available in track and field coaches and to establish a ranking of the training competencies required for these coaches.

The research methodology included the sample and information collection methods, followed by the presentation, analysis, and discussion of the results. The researcher concluded the following:

It is observed that the selected items represent the competencies that should be present in track and field coaches.
The eighth item ranked first in terms of the training planning axis.
The eighth item also ranked first in terms of managing the training unit.
The third item ranked first in terms of presenting the training unit.
The sixth item ranked first in terms of motivating the athlete.
The fifth item ranked first in terms of personal traits.

Summary

Sources of Organizational Stress, Risks, and Solutions:

The aim of the research was to identify the sources of organizational stress among physical education teachers in the Karakh and Rusafa education directorates. The sample included 100 male and female teachers.

To achieve the research objectives, the researcher formulated the hypothesis that there are sources of organizational stress among physical education teachers. After analyzing the results, the researcher reached the following conclusions:

There is a need to pay attention to administrative aspects and support physical education teachers due to their significant role in the education and leadership of youth, both in terms of physical development and health.
There is a need to address the economic aspects of this group, as it is essential for retaining them in the profession and preventing them from seeking other career paths.
There is a need to provide sports facilities and maintain the existing ones, as they are crucial for implementing sports programs effectively.

Research Summary

The research problem focused on the variation in the performance level of the spike skill in volleyball. The researcher attributes one of the causes of this issue to a lack of spinal flexibility, which consequently prevents achieving the proper range of motion. Additionally, the researcher notes that there has not been sufficient emphasis placed on flexibility by those responsible for the educational and training processes.

Therefore, the research aims to investigate the effect of the proposed training program on developing spinal flexibility, as well as the impact of increasing spinal flexibility on the performance of the volleyball spike skill.

The researcher used an experimental approach with two equivalent groups randomly selected from a sample of 30 male students in their fourth year at the College of Physical Education, University of Baghdad. The training program consisted of 16 training units, with two sessions per week, each lasting 15 minutes. After conducting the tests for the research sample and using appropriate statistical methods, the researcher concluded that the training program had a positive effect on improving flexibility, which in turn positively impacted the performance of the spike skill in volleyball.

Research Summary

Research Objective
The aim of the research was to investigate the effect of the proposed educational program in acquiring some basic skills in al-Ghabra (a local sport).

Research Sample
The research sample consisted of players from the Al-Tahaddi Club for al-Ghabra in Baghdad Governorate.

Research Methodology
The researchers used an experimental approach, as it was appropriate for the nature and objectives of the research.

Conclusions

There were no statistically significant differences in acquiring certain basic skills (short goal, directed goal) between the experimental and control groups.
There were statistically significant differences in acquiring the serve skill, in favor of the experimental group.
The effectiveness of the educational program (mastery learning) in improving performance levels was demonstrated by an increase in the number of students who achieved mastery in the skills.

Research Summary

Objective
The research aims to identify the key physical abilities and basic skills of junior tennis players, investigate the relationship between specific physical abilities and basic skills, and establish standard levels for some physical abilities and basic skills for junior tennis players.

Methodology
The researcher employed the descriptive approach as it suits the nature of the problem. The research sample included 70 junior tennis players aged 14–16 years. Several physical and skill tests were utilized, which were selected based on recommendations from experts and specialists. After applying appropriate statistical methods, the researcher reached several conclusions, including:

There is a statistically significant correlation between some physical abilities and the basic skills of junior tennis players.
Standard levels were established for certain physical abilities and basic skills for junior tennis players.
Recommendations

It is essential to adopt the standard levels identified by the researcher for evaluating the physical fitness and basic skills of junior tennis players.
Regular testing of physical abilities and skills should be conducted to monitor the development of junior players.

Research Summary
The research problem arose from the researcher's field observations of the technical performance level of the national junior gymnastics team in the tucked back handspring skill on the floor exercise apparatus, which was not up to standard. The researcher attributed this to insufficient physical preparation among the gymnasts, particularly in terms of leg strength. Therefore, the researcher conducted this study aimed at developing leg-specific strength through a proposed training program that includes strength exercises based on certain biomechanical variables to determine their impact on the performance of this skill.

The research hypothesis suggested that there would be statistically significant differences resulting from using leg-specific strength exercises based on certain biomechanical variables in improving the technical performance of the tucked back handspring on the floor exercise apparatus.

The experimental method was employed for this research, and the sample consisted of six gymnasts from the national junior gymnastics team, aged between 10 and 12 years. The training program lasted for three months, with three sessions per week, amounting to a total of 36 training units over the study period.

The researcher concluded several findings, the most notable of which was the effectiveness of using leg-specific strength exercises as part of the proposed training program in improving the technical performance of the selected skill. Based on these findings, the researcher recommended adopting the proposed training program for developing leg-specific strength across all gymnastics training centers in Iraq.

Abstract:
One of the most critical elements of development in wrestling is the evaluation of technical performance. This process allows coaches and athletes to identify strengths and weaknesses in technical and strategic aspects, enabling them to address errors and reinforce positive elements. Research in training and education agrees that the key to transitioning from failure to success lies in developing an observation system that provides a realistic vision of athletes’ and coaches’ performance.

Based on the researcher’s observations of local tournaments and modest experience in the sport, it was evident that no system exists for quantitative and qualitative analysis of performance, whether positive or negative. Consequently, there are no technical ratings to reflect the wrestler's technical level, which can be used to analyze strengths and weaknesses and develop scientific solutions.

This study emphasizes the importance of proposing an observation form to evaluate the technical performance of young wrestlers aged 18–20 years. The research aims to assess the effectiveness of technical performance (both positive and negative) by calculating an effectiveness coefficient and comparing technical performance effectiveness across rounds.

The descriptive method was employed, utilizing a survey approach due to its suitability for the study's nature. The research sample consisted of eight wrestlers representing eight weight categories from the official weight divisions of the participants.

The researcher concluded, based on the study’s findings and discussions, that the effectiveness of technical performance is higher in the first round compared to the second and third rounds. The researcher recommends adopting the proposed evaluation form to assess the technical performance of young wrestlers.

**Research Summary**
**A Comparative Study of Learning and Thinking Styles According to the Cognitive Approach**

The research problem centers on the lack of attention to the prevailing thinking styles and cognitive approaches among learners, resulting in their unawareness of the traits and characteristics they possess. This negatively impacts their ability to utilize theoretical information in practical scientific performance, ultimately affecting the level and quality of learning. Therefore, the research aims to identify the dominant learning and thinking styles (Right-Brained – Integrated – Left-Brained) for individuals with cognitive styles (Field-Independent – Mixed – Field-Dependent).

The researcher employed a descriptive methodology on a sample of third-year female students from the College of Physical Education for Women at the University of Baghdad, totaling 75 students out of 100. The research utilized specific tests, including the Torrance Scale and the Embedded Figures Test, to determine learners' dominant hemispheric brain dominance (Right-Brained – Integrated – Left-Brained) and their cognitive style (Field-Independent – Mixed – Field-Dependent). Appropriate statistical tools were applied to analyze the data.

The findings revealed a correlation between the characteristics of field-independent learners and the functions of the left-brained dominance. Similarly, field-dependent learners exhibited a correlation with right-brained dominance, while mixed field-perception learners aligned with the functions of integrated brain dominance.

The most significant recommendations emphasize the need for teachers or trainers to understand the cognitive styles and thinking patterns of learners or athletes. This understanding should be taken into account during teaching or training to align with the learners' or athletes' inherent characteristics.