The effect of paired passing training on sepak sila ability: a quasi-experimental study with sepaktakraw athletes

Abstract

Sepak sila, the technique of controlling and passing the ball with the inner side of the foot, is a foundational skill in sepaktakraw that underlies ball control, passing accuracy, and offensive continuity. Preliminary observation of sepaktakraw athletes at Balai Baru Padang indicated inconsistent ball control and passing accuracy, suggesting that the training methods applied were not yet optimal. Purpose: This quasi-experimental study examined the effect of paired passing training on sepak sila ability among sepaktakraw athletes at Balai Baru Padang. Methods: A One-Group Pretest-Posttest design was employed. Ten male sepaktakraw athletes were recruited through purposive (total) sampling. Sepak sila ability was assessed with a validated 1-minute sepak sila frequency test administered before and after a 16-session paired passing training program (four sessions per week over four weeks). Data were analyzed using the Liliefors test for normality, the Bartlett test for homogeneity, and a paired-samples t-test at α = 0.05. Results: The mean sepak sila score increased from 132.3 (SD = 39.11) at pre-test to 160.9 (SD = 31.84) at post-test, a mean gain of 28.6 points. Both pre-test and post-test data were normally distributed (Lo = 0.128 and 0.138, respectively; Lt = 0.258). The paired t-test yielded t (calculated) = 5.31, exceeding t (table) = 1.83 at α = 0.05, indicating a statistically significant improvement. Conclusion: A structured, sixteen-session paired passing training program significantly improved sepak sila ability in sepaktakraw athletes. The findings support the use of paired passing drills as a practical, low-cost training method for coaches seeking to develop ball-control and passing accuracy in sepaktakraw athletes, while also underscoring the need for larger, controlled trials to confirm generalizability.