Specific Imagery Training and Kicking Accuracy: A Case Study of Senior Taekwondo Athletes at a University

Abstrak

Taekwondo is a combat sport that relies heavily on kicking techniques as the primary means of scoring points during competition. In the modern era of electronic scoring systems, kicking accuracy has become a crucial determinant of athletic performance because only kicks that strike designated targets with sufficient precision and force are rewarded with points. In addition to physical and technical factors, psychological skills such as imagery ability are believed to contribute to the successful execution of accurate kicking techniques. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between specific imagery training and kicking accuracy among senior taekwondo athletes at a university. This study employed a quantitative approach with a correlational research design. Participants consisted of senior taekwondo athletes with competitive experience who regularly participated in structured training programs. Data were collected using the Movement Imagination Questionnaire-Revised (MIQ-R) to assess imagery ability and a target-based kicking accuracy test to measure technical performance. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, normality testing, and Pearson correlation analysis. The results revealed that athletes demonstrated moderate to high levels of imagery ability and satisfactory kicking accuracy performance. Correlation analysis indicated a positive relationship between specific imagery training and kicking accuracy; however, the relationship was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that imagery training contributes to enhanced concentration, mental readiness, movement coordination, and confidence, but it is not the sole determinant of kicking accuracy. Physical fitness, technical mastery, training experience, and motor control also play significant roles in performance outcomes. In conclusion, specific imagery training can serve as a valuable complementary strategy in taekwondo coaching programs. Nevertheless, optimal kicking accuracy is more likely to be achieved through the integration of mental training, technical practice, and physical conditioning within a comprehensive athlete development framework.