Traditional and multilateral work in Judo at a young age. Influence on motor skills

Aim: The purpose of the study is to analyze the impact on motor skills 1 of two methods of work, both aiming the development of sports skills in male children at the age of 7-9 years practicing judo 2. Method: The study lasted 8 months (September 2011 - May 2012) and 30 male subjects (mean age 7.4 ± 0.7 years old) were examined from two schools in judo, following the same program and technical coordination. At the beginning and at the end of the season anthropometric measurements were carried out and a battery of 5 physical tests was administered: Flamingo balance test, Harre test, standing long jump, overhead medicine ball throw (2 kg) and 20 m sprint 3. The experimental group (n=19) used the multilateral method 4 consisting mostly of games on the strategies of judo 5. The control group (n=11) was based on the traditional method of work emphasizing the execution of the basic elements of technique and the safety. Differences were compared in the same group (Wilcoxon) and between the experimental and control group (Mann Whitney). The boys in the experimental group performed 75% of the activity in the form of aimed game against the 15% in the control group. Results: At the beginning of the season anthropometric characteristics and tests results of the two groups were remarkably similar. After 8 months, the anthropometric characteristics and tests are improved while remaining similar between the two groups with the exception of the Flamingo (12,2%) and Harre (6,06%) test. Conclusion: The experimental group improved significantly in 2 of the 5 physical tests offered, increasing the overall coordination skills 6,7. It would seem that proposing traditional methods in the training of judo, children acquire a limited store of motor skills and fail to apply or understand the principle of the technique in certain situations and are often bored 8. In terms of multilateral method, however, the game and its variants seem to be an effective tool to promote the learning of sports skills and also to get the best competitive results. References 1. Platonov V (2004) L’organizzazione dell’allenamento e dell’attività di gara. Perugia: Calzetti & Mariucci editori, 175-9 2. Scotton C (2003) Classificazione tecnica delle specialità sportive. Perugia: Calzetti & Mariucci editori, 28, 30 3. Marella M, Risaliti M (2001) Il libro dei test. Nova Milanese: Edizioni correre, 28, 33, 71, 110 4. Bompa T, Haff G (2009) Periodization, theory and methodology of training. Usa: Human Kinetics, 31-8 5. Scott D (2008) Judo games. Leipzig: Lulu.com, 8 6. Jurgen B (1993) Ricerca e promozione del talento nello sport. SdS-Scuola dello Sport Rivista di Cultura Sportiva, supplemento, n. 28-29, pp. 4-20 7. Winfried J (2000) Lo sviluppo, concetto centrale per la promozione del talento. Sds-Scuola dello Sport Rivista di Cultura Sportiva n. 47-48, pp. 59-65 8. Weineck J (2009) L’allenamento ottimale. Perugia: Calzetti & Mariucci editori, 618-28