The Relationship between Ball Speed and Shooting Accuracy during Field Hockey Hit

Abstract

There are numerous studies conducted on fundamental skills in field hockey especially drag flick but there is lack of study did on hit or drive skill despite of there were so many beginner and amateur players that required enhancement in this crucial skill. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between ball speed, accuracy, and years of involvement during field hockey hit performance among student recreational players. Fourteen male players were recruited among university students (n=14; Weight = 65.71 ± 7.85 kg, Height = 168.29 ± 3.97 cm; BMI = 23.14 ± 2.41 kg/m2). The participants were required to perform a best single hit skill to determine their ball speed through Kinovea software and the accuracy by the designated score. Then, the data has been analysed through Pearson correlation using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 21. The Pearson correlation indicated that there is no significant difference for between ball speed and accuracy (r = .024, p = 936) and years of involvement and accuracy (r = .250. p = 389). However, there was a strong and positive correlation between years of involvement and ball speed (r = .672, p =.008). Findings of the current study suggest that the ball speed and accuracy can be increase both at the same time vice versa during hit skill and years of involvement in this sports can be a contributing factor in skill performance.