Background and Study Aim. Sexual dimorphism plays a crucial role in the design of training programs for athletes. Therefore, understanding the influence of sexual dimorphism on various abilities is essential for optimizing training regimens. The aim of this study is to determine the influence of sexual dimorphism on the manifestation of coordination abilities in young volleyball players aged 15–17.
Material and Methods. Volleyball players aged 15–17 years participated in the study (n=92, training experience – 5–7 years). Fifty of them were girls, and forty-two were boys. Motor tests were used to determine the level of coordination preparedness of the volleyball players. The study assessed kinesthetic differentiation, spatial orientation, reaction, coupling, binding of movements, and balance skills. Statistical data processing was carried out using Microsoft Excel and SPSS programs.
Results. For most of the compared indicators of coordination abilities, there was no significant difference between male and female volleyball players aged 15–17 (p>0.05). In the “Shuttle run with back forward” test, which determined the ability of volleyball players to quickly rebuild motor activity, boys outperformed girls by 5.6% (p<0.05). In the “Sprint test with the given rhythm”, boys significantly outperformed girls by 16.6% (p<0.001). However, control exercises that determined the relative indicators of the above qualities did not show a significant difference. No significant differences (p>0.05) were found in the indicators that characterized the subjects' ability to demonstrate balance in both groups. Girls outperformed boys by 4.2% in terms of sagittal displacement of the center of mass. Comparison of the magnitude of latent periods of simple and complex visual-motor reaction by groups did not reveal significant differences among boys and girls.
Conclusions. The results of the study indicate the need to implement targeted training programs to address and mitigate gender differences in coordination abilities among young volleyball players. These programs should focus on enhancing specific coordination skills. This approach ensures balanced development. Purposeful sports training can help overcome inherent physiological differences. By doing so, it leverages the benefits of tailored training to promote equality in athletic performance.
