The Failure of The Fall Technique Using Pull In The Pencak Silat Competition In The Adult Age Competition Category

Abstract

Pencak Silat is a martial art that integrates offensive, defensive, and strategic techniques to control opponents and achieve competitive advantage. One crucial technique in the competition category is the falling technique using a pull, which aims to destabilize and bring down the opponent to gain points. Despite its tactical importance, many athletes experience repeated failures in executing this technique effectively, suggesting the presence of complex technical and non-technical influencing factors. However, empirical studies that specifically analyze the causes of such failures under the latest competition regulations remain limited. This study aimed to: (1) analyze the factors contributing to the failure of pull-based falling techniques in Pencak Silat competitions, (2) identify common technical errors associated with these failures, and (3) examine the role of athletes’ physical and situational conditions in influencing unsuccessful execution. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, utilizing systematic visual observation and analysis of match recordings. The data consisted of 50 competition videos from international adult-category Pencak Silat championships held in Jakarta and Malang, all conducted under the 2023 competition regulations. The findings identified 12 distinct causes of failure in pull-based falling techniques. Among these, two failure types were most dominant: failed pulls due to the opponent’s stable stance (T8), occurring 57 times, and failed pulls caused by dynamic opponent movement (T7), occurring 53 times. These results indicate that failure is primarily associated with improper force direction, inadequate balance control, and insufficient adaptation to opponent posture and movement. The findings provide practical insights for coaches and athletes, emphasizing the need for targeted technical refinement, improved physical conditioning, and tactical decision-making training. Implementing these improvements is expected to enhance the effectiveness of pull-based falling techniques and optimize scoring opportunities in accordance with the 2023 Pencak Silat competition regulations.