Analysis of the initial physical and functional fitness indicators of 10-12-year old table tennis players during the preliminary training period
Abstract
The article analyzes the results of preliminary pedagogical testing conducted to determine the physical fitness level of young table tennis players aged 10-12 during the initial training period. A total of 150 young athletes participated in the study, divided into age groups of 10, 11, and 12. Within each age category, they were further separated into experimental (n=25) and control (n=25) groups. The athletes' speed, agility, strength, endurance, and flexibility were assessed through a 3x10-meter shuttle run, 30- and 60-meter sprints, forward bend, throwing a sports implement, sit-ups, and rope skipping tests. No statistically significant difference was found between the experimental and control groups in any age category (P>0.05). The coefficient of variation was V≈16-19%, confirming the homogeneity of the sample. The results indicated that the initial conditions for both groups were equal at the start of the experiment, which allows for an objective evaluation of the effectiveness of the methodology to be applied in the next stage.