THE EFFECT OF SELF-REGULATED FEEDBACK ON ACQUISITION AND LEARNING THE OVERHAND SERVICE SKILL OF NOVICE FEMALE ATHLETES IN VOLLEYBALL

Abstract

The purpose of the present research was to study the effect of self-regulated feedback on the acquisition and learning of the volleyball overhand service skill in novice female players 10-11 years old. Twenty-eight (28) novice female athletes aged 10-11 years old and with a 2- year training experience participated in this study. The female athletes were randomly divided into two groups, the experimental (n=14) and the control group (n=14). The athletes of both groups followed a five week training program with two units per week, which included drills for the learning of the service skill. The athletes of the experimental group were able to ask for feedback whenever they wished, while the athletes of the control group followed the program for learning the skill, taking feedback (knowledge of performance), whenever it was considered necessary by the coach. The results showed that there were significant differences between the two groups in learning the skill. Specifically, the experimental group was better at all the elements of the service skill, except for the throw of the ball, which apparently is due to lack of coordination of athletes at this age. It is suggested that coaches can use the self-regulated feedback, for better performance and learning and to develop athletes’ internal cognitive processes.