PERFORMANCE AND COMPETITION ANALYSIS OF YOUTH TAEKWONDO ATHLETES

Abstract

The objectives of this study was to analyze and compare the use of tactical and scoring characteristics variables during competition between the winners and the losers of young taekwondo athletes in the 32^th Thailand National Youth Games. The subjects were 160 young taekwondo athletes (80 males and 80 females) who were qualified from quarter-final to the finalist of the ten weight categories. Two video cameras at 50 Hz were used to collect data. Kinovea software was used to analyze the use of tactical and scoring characteristics variables during competition including attacking techniques, attacking target and the point obtained format. Mean and standard deviation (S.D.) of the variables were computed and Independent t-test was conducted to evaluate any differences between winners and non-winners with a significance level of p < .05.

The results revealed that the average of attacking techniques between winners and non-winners was statistical significant with the highest level which was found in round kick in both males (winners: 46.05 + 7.79 points; non-winners: 40.40 + 7.79 points; p=0.02) and females (winners: 45.40 + 7.80 points, non-winners: 35.80 + 6.53 points; p=0.00) and the lowest level was found in turning kick for males (winners: 0.90 + 0.78 points, non-winners: 0.55 + 0.75 points; p=0.16) and back hook kick for females (winners: 0.35 + 0.58 points, non-winners : 0.15 + 0.36 points; p=0.20), respectively. The average of attacking target between winners and non-winners was statistical significant in both males and females. The average of attacking target at trunk (males; winners: 58.35 + 8.02 points, non-winners 51.10 + 6.88 points, p=0.04 and females; winners: 59.55 + 8.30 points, non-winners 48.10 + 6.73 point, p= 0.00) was higher than head guard (males; winners: 14.00 + 2.73 points, non-winners 6.88 + 3.06 points, p=0.00 and females; winners: 12.35 + 1.75 points, non-winners 9.80 + 2.53 points, p=0.01). The male winners scored offensive kicks (40.70 + 6.51 points) more often than defensive ones and the non-winners obtained more scores when using defensive kicks (37.45+ 5.31 points). In addition, the female winners scored offensive kicks (35.95 + 4.81 points) more often than defensive ones and the non-winners obtained more scores when using defensive kicks (32.90+ 6.38 points), respectively.

Consequently, an analysis and comparison of the use of tactical and scoring characteristics variables during competition of young taekwondo athletes in the Thailand National Youth Games revealed the significant tactical characteristics that affected the results of competition could be used to improve each individual training program.