The impact of a mastery-learning program using a tennis ball machine on learning the forehand and backhand stroke skills for students

The purpose of this paper is to identify the positive impact of integrating the mastery learning method with a ball-throwing device on the acquisition and mastery of the two groundstrokes (front and back) among third-year students, and to measure the effectiveness of this integration in reducing individual differences and achieving a stable performance level. The researcher used an experimental design with two equivalent groups (experimental and control) using pre- and post-tests. The research sample consisted of 33 students from the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at Al-Qasim Green University during the 2024-2025 academic year. The experimental group underwent the proposed educational program using the mastery method and a ball-throwing device, while the control group followed the traditional (command-based) method. The program lasted for six weeks, with one educational unit per week. The results showed a clear statistical advantage for the experimental group over the control group in the mastery level of the two skills in the post-tests. The ball-throwing device contributed to providing accurate and consistent standard repetitions that enabled the students to develop a correct movement path and overcome human obstacles in throwing the ball. The mastery learning approach also succeeded in reducing individual differences and bringing the group as a whole to a good level of performance. The research recommends adopting the mastery learning approach and using sports technology (ball-throwing machines) as a core methodology in teaching beginners in physical education colleges and sports clubs, given its ability to address individual differences and accelerate the learning process.