MENINGKATKAN KOORDINASI DAN KETERAMPILAN SOSIAL ANAK USIA DINI MELALUI PERMAINAN TENIS LAPANGAN

Abstract

The development of social skills and motor coordination is very important for the growth and readiness of elementary school children. However, increased use of digital devices and lack of physical activity reduce children's motor skills and social interactions. Tennis is one of the sports that can enhance both aspects because it combines movement, coordination, communication, and cooperation. The purpose of this study is to examine how playing tennis impacts the social skills and motor coordination of children aged 7–10 years. This study was conducted using a quasi-experimental method and employed a pretest-posttest control group design. The research sample consisted of 40 students from SDN Bororejo, divided into two groups: an experimental group with 20 students and a control group. The experimental group underwent tennis training for eight weeks with three matches each week. Meanwhile, the control group followed normal education. Motor coordination tests and social skills observation sheets are research tools. The research results were analysed using descriptive statistics, paired t-test, and independent t-test with a significance level of 5%. The results showed an improvement in the motor coordination of the experimental group from 63.80 ± 6.25 to 79.45 ± 5.72 or by 24.5% (p < 0.001). Social skills also increased from 65.40 ± 7.10 to 83.30 ± 5.88 or by 27.4% (p < 0.001). The difference in results between the experimental group and the control group indicates that playing tennis effectively improves children's social skills and motor coordination. Therefore, tennis can be used as an alternative to the PJOK learning model that comprehensively supports children's physical and social development.