The utilization of a customised training programme for club level netball players
Date
2005-12
Authors
Fourie, Lindie
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of a customised training
programme on the physical components of first league netball players. The key
physical variables that affect netball performance were identified as aerobic fitness,
anaerobic fitness, power, muscle strength, flexibility, speed, agility, and muscle
endurance. The fitness tests and norms used in this study were mainly based on the
Australian protocol, “Physiological Tests for the Assessment of Netball Players”.
Two netball clubs in the Boland participated in this study. These two teams played in
the same netball league, but they were not matched in any other way. The
experimental group (n=14) followed the customised training programme, while the
control group (n=16) followed their normal training sessions. After baseline testing,
the experimental group completed 23 training sessions in which specific aspects of
netball fitness were addressed. After 16 weeks, both groups repeated all the tests.
Through statistical analysis, the effect of the training programme was determined, and
the differences between the experimental and control groups were quantified.
Results of the study revealed the following:
1. The experimental group was statistically significantly better in all the fitness tests
during baseline testing, compared to the control group.
2. Power improved significantly through this customised training programme.
3. Although only a few variables changed significantly after the training programme,
the experimental group did perform better in most fitness tests after the
programme.
This study shows that a customised training programme has the potential to improve
certain aspects of a netball player’s fitness. The programme should, however, be
longer and more sport-specific to produce the desired results. Top netball players
should rely on not only their netball skills to be successful, but should also develop
their physical capacities optimally.
Description
Thesis (M Sport Sc (Sport Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005.
Keywords
Dissertations -- Sport science, Theses -- Sport science, Netball players, Netball players -- South Africa -- Western Cape, Physical fitness -- Physiological aspects