Combined plyometric and target kick-drill training and straight-kick speed in female Pencak Silat athletes

  • Fito Rahmat Seputra
    Department of Coaching, Faculty of Sport Science, Universitas Negeri Padang, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia.
    Indonesia
  • Jeki Haryanto 
    Universitas Negeri Padang
    Indonesia
  • Umar Umar
    Department of Coaching, Faculty of Sport Science, Universitas Negeri Padang, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia.
    Indonesia
  • Juanda Putra
    Department of Coaching, Faculty of Sport Science, Universitas Negeri Padang, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia.
    Indonesia
  • Fiky Zarya
    Department of Coaching, Faculty of Sport Science, Universitas Negeri Padang, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia.
    Indonesia

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of combined plyometric and target kick-drill training on straight-kick speed in female pencak silat athletes. A single-group pretest–posttest design involved 10 female athletes aged ≥15 years. Participants completed 16 supervised training sessions over four weeks. Straight-kick speed was assessed using a standardized 10-second straight-kick frequency test. Data were analyzed using a paired-samples t-test and Hedges’ g. Straight-kick performance increased from 10.30 to 16.40 repetitions per 10 seconds, representing a 59.2% improvement (t(9) = 22.03, p < .001; Hedges’ g = 3.10). Combined plyometric and target kick-drill training was associated with substantial improvement in straight-kick speed; however, controlled randomized studies are required to confirm the training-specific effect.

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