The Impact of Integrated (Physical-Skill) Educational Exercises on Special Strength and Technical Performance in Shot Put among Physical Education Students

Abstract

Background: Traditional athletic pedagogy often separates physical conditioning from technical skill acquisition, which can lead to a "mechanical gap" in explosive events like the shot put.

Objectives. This study aimed to design and evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated (physical-skill) educational program in developing special strength and technical performance among first-year students.

Materials and Methods. An experimental approach with a pre-test/post-test randomized control group design was employed. The sample consisted of 40 male students from the University of Babylon ( n = 20  experimental;  n = 20$ control). The experimental group underwent a 4-week program (3 sessions/week) consisting of exercises that combined medicine ball drills and plyometrics with specific shot put technical phases.

Results. Statistical analysis using independent and paired t-tests revealed significant improvements (p < 0.05) in both groups. However, the experimental group showed a clear superiority in the post-tests across all variables, particularly in explosive power (medicine ball throw and jumping tests) and technical proficiency (Mean = 9.17 vs. 5.22 for the control group).

Conclusions. Integrated exercises facilitate a more efficient "Motor Transfer," allowing students to apply physical force within the precise technical requirements of the shot put. The author is recommendation Integrating physical and technical drills into a single instructional framework is highly recommended for university-level athletic curricula to optimize performance and learning efficiency.