The Effect of Combined Zig-Zag Drills on Agility and Crescent Kick Speed in Pencak Silat Athletes of the Student Activity Unit at Syiah Kuala University

Abstract

Objectives. The objective of this study is to improve the agility and crescent kick speed of Pencak Silat athletes who are members of the Student Activity Unit (UKM) at Syiah Kuala University. The crescent kick is a fundamental technique in Pencak Silat that is commonly used to score points, and enhancing agility and kicking speed is essential for better performance during competitions.

Material and Method. This study employed a quantitative experimental research method. The population consisted of all 15 athletes from the Pencak Silat UKM at Syiah Kuala University, and the entire population was used as the research sample (total sampling). The training program implemented involved a combination of agility and speed exercises, specifically the iceky ladder shuffle, shuttle run, and zig-zag running drills.

Data were collected through pre-test and post-test procedures using physical performance measurements for agility (shuttle run) and crescent kick speed. The treatment provided to the participants included the combined zig-zag training method, integrated into regular practice sessions over a predetermined period. Statistical analysis was performed to test the hypothesis at a 0.05 level of significance.

Result. The findings demonstrated that the combined zig-zag drills had a significant effect on both agility and crescent kick speed of the athletes. Statistical hypothesis testing revealed that: 1) For agility (shuttle run), the calculated t-value exceeded the critical t-table value at the 0.05 significance level (t-count = 0.050 > 0.05). 2) For crescent kick speed, the calculated t-value also exceeded the t-table value at the 0.05 significance level (t-count = 0.099 > 0.05).

These results indicate a statistically significant improvement in both variables as a result of the training intervention.

 Conclusion. The combined zig-zag training method positively influences the agility and crescent kick speed of Pencak Silat athletes at Syiah Kuala University. These improvements are crucial for optimizing performance in competitions, where speed and agility play a key role in scoring points. The results of this study are expected to serve as a reference for developing effective training programs aimed at enhancing crescent kick techniques in Pencak Silat.