Vol 14, Issue 1, No 3, July 2026

The Effect of Attentional Focus on Front Kick Kinematics and Frequency and Speed of Kick Test Performance among Beginner Taekwondo Practitioners in Different Age Groups

Nor Fazila Abd Malek & Nur Ikhwan Mohamad

Faculty of Sport Science and Coaching, Sultan Idris Education University, 35900 Tanjung Malim, Perak, Malaysia

DOI : http://doi.org/10.47836/mohe.14.1.03

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to investigate the effect of attentional focus on front kick kinematics and performance among novice taekwondo practitioners in different age groups. A total of 72 male novice practitioners (N = 72), consisting of 36 children (n = 36) and 36 adults (n = 36), were involved in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups (external focus, internal focus, or control), separately for each age category. Kinematic variables such as peak height (m), displacement up (m), time up (s), and velocity (m/s) were measured to assess kicking mechanics.  Total kicking repetitions and total kicking repetitions with correct technique were evaluated using the Frequency of Speed Kick Test (FSKT10s) to assess performance within 10 seconds. One-way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis. The results revealed that both adults and children in the external focus group showed significant improvements (p<0.05) in all kinematic parameters and total kicking repetitions in the post-test. Conversely, the internal focus group exhibited significant improvements (p<0.05) in the quality of movement, particularly in correct technique repetitions. These findings suggest that while external focus enhances overall movement efficiency and performance, internal focus may be more effective for refining technique.

Keywords: Taekwondo, coaching method, attentional focus, front kick