Comparing the Efficacy of Professional Athlete-Led Online Instruction and Traditional Coaching for Developing Technical Competencies in Novice Sepak Takraw Players: A 12-Week Randomised Controlled Study

Background and purposeThis study aimed to compare the efficacy of professional athlete-led online instruction with traditional in-person coaching for developing technical competencies in novice sepak takraw players, addressing critical knowledge gaps in digital sports instruction and motor skill development.Material and methodsA 12-week randomized controlled study was conducted with 60 participants (40 males, 20 females) aged 14-17 years, divided into experimental (online coaching) and control (in-person coaching) groups. Participants underwent comprehensive pre-intervention testing and were assessed using multiple performance metrics, including service accuracy, spike execution, ball control, and game situation performance. The study employed advanced technological tools such as high-speed cameras, force plates, and motion analysis software to evaluate skill development.ResultsThe experimental group demonstrated significantly greater improvements across most technical skills. Notably, service accuracy improved by 38.67 points compared to 16.76 points in the control group, with statistically significant differences (p