The Effect of Expert Model Observation on the Performance and Learning the Backstroke of Young Swimmers

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of expert model observation on backstroke performance and learning of young swimmers. Participants were 44 children, aged from 10 to 12 years old. (Μ=10.81, SD=0.84) and having training experience of two years. The participants randomly divided in two groups: Observation (OG, Ν=23) and Control Group (CG, Ν=21). Participants were practiced for six weeks (three times of 45 min per week), aiming the hands technique in backstroke of swimming. Participants of experimental group (OG) were observed an expert model in monitor, provided simultaneously verbal feedback of the basic elements of skill. Participants of the control group (CG) followed the traditional method of teaching, receiving verbal feedback by the coach. All participants were evaluated in the beginning and in the end of the training procedure and one week after the final evaluation without any training in this skill (retention test). More specifically, the evaluation of skill was considering 25m backstroke style swimming arms, with a pool buoy between the legs. Participants were videotaped in ten trials and were evaluated in five elements of skill, by two expert coaches, whom the intra and inter reliability was checked. Participants also were evaluated in time of 25m speed. ANOVA repeated measures revealed significant interaction between measures and groups (F(2,84)=25.52, p<0.01) and significant main effect for measures (F(2,84)=227.15, p<0.01) and for group (F(1,42)=52.37, p<0.01). In relation the speed of participants, there were no interaction between groups and measures, but there were main effect for measures. Results showed that the expert model observation with verbal cues, helped participants to learn the skill of backstroke’s arms of young swimmers.