Using Skill-Related Fitness to Guide Speed Kicking Training in Silat Athletes

Abstract

In silat competition, where athletes gain an advantage through speed and accuracy, kick techniques are a crucial component. In order to ascertain whether skill-related fitness components can direct training design, this study sought to assess the relationship between skill-related fitness components and speed kicking performance in silat athletes. The study included thirty university silat athletes. A 10-second side-kick test was used to measure the speed at which both dominant and non-dominant legs could kick, and the Nelson Foot Reaction Time Test (reaction), 30 m Sprint Test (speed), Stork Stand Test (balance), Hexagon Jump Test (coordination), Standing Broad Jump Test (power), and Zigzag Run Test (agility) were used to measure skill-related fitness components. All fitness components and kicking performance for both dominant and non-dominant legs were found to be significantly correlated by Pearson correlation analysis (p <.05). Kicking frequency was most strongly associated with coordination (r = –0.795, dominant; r = –0.699, non-dominant) and power (r = 0.738, dominant; r = 0.762, non-dominant), although agility, sprint speed, balance, and reaction time also made significant contributions. These results suggest that speed kicking performance in silat is significantly influenced by skill-related fitness, specifically coordination and power. According to the findings, interventions that focus on coordination and power in addition to agility, speed, balance, and reaction time may improve silat athletes' kicking performance and competitive results. This supports the use of skill-related fitness as a useful framework for directing training approaches.