The Effect Of Dumbbell Over Head Exercises On Smash Hit Ability In Badminton Games

Abstract

Badminton is a dynamic sport that requires excellent physical and technical abilities, particularly in executing the smash, which is one of the most effective offensive strokes for scoring points. However, many students still exhibit limited smash ability due to inadequate upper-body strength and power. This study aimed to determine the effect of dumbbell overhead exercises on badminton smash-hit ability among students of SMK Negeri 6 Makassar. The study employed a quantitative experimental method using a pretest-posttest control group design. The population consisted of 40 male students participating in badminton extracurricular activities, with 20 students selected as samples and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups, each comprising 10 participants. The experimental group received dumbbell overhead training, whereas the control group followed conventional badminton practice. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, normality and homogeneity tests, paired-sample t-tests, and independent-sample t-tests at a significance level of 0.05. The results showed that the experimental group improved significantly from a pre-test mean score of 10.70 to a post-test mean score of 16.80, with a mean difference of 6.10 points (t = 22.031; p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the control group increased from 10.70 to 12.90, with a mean difference of 2.20 points (t = 7.571; p < 0.05). Furthermore, a significant difference was found between the two groups in the post-test (t = 3.847; p < 0.05). In conclusion, dumbbell overhead exercises are more effective than conventional training in improving badminton smash-hit ability among vocational high school students.