Considering the Impact of a Tactical and Technical Training Module on the Performance of Field Hockey Players (U-16) in Malaysia: A Quasi-Experimental Design

Background. The development of tactical and technical skills is critical for young athletes engaged in team sports, particularly in field hockey, where quick decision-making and strategic play are essential for success. Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured tactical and technical training module on the performance of field hockey players (U-16) in Malaysia. Materials and methods. A quasi-experimental design was used, involving 40 participants who were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n = 20) or a control group (n = 20). The intervention group underwent an eight-week tactical and technical training module, while the control group followed their regular training regimen. Pre-test and post-test assessments were conducted to measure knowledge and performance in four key areas: ball action/direction, opponents’ action, positioning, and action during changing situations. The data were analyzed using Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) to assess the impact of the intervention. Results. The MANOVA results revealed significant improvements in the intervention group across all four variables compared to the control group (Wilks’ Lambda = 0.327, F = 9.867, p = 0.001). Specifically, the intervention group showed substantial gains in knowledge about ball action/direction, opponents’ action, positioning, and actions during changing situations. These findings underscore the effectiveness of the training module in enhancing tactical and technical competencies in young field hockey players. The study demonstrates that a structured tactical and technical training module can significantly improve the performance of under-16 field hockey players. Conclusions. The results indicate the potential for broader application of such modules in youth sports development programs. It is recommended that coaches integrate similar training structures to optimize player development and competitive performance.