Peer Verbal Encouragement Enhances Offensive Performance Indicators in Handball Small-Sided Games

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed at assessing the effects of two verbal encouragement modalities on the different offensive and defensive performance indicators in handball small-sided games practiced in physical education settings. Methods: A total of 14 untrained secondary school male students, aged 17 to 18, took part in a three-session practical intervention. Students were divided into two teams of seven players (four field players, a goalkeeper, and two substitutes). During each experimental session, each team played one 8 min period under teacher verbal encouragement (TeacherEN) and another under peer verbal encouragement (PeerEN). All sessions were videotaped for later analysis using a specific grid focusing on the balls played, balls won, balls lost, shots on goal, goals scored, as well as the ball conservation index (BCI), and the defensive efficiency index (DEI). Results: The findings showed no significant differences in favor of TeacherEN in all the performance indicators that were measured, whereas significant differences in favor of PeerEN were observed in balls played and shots on goal. Conclusions: When implemented in handball small-sided games, peer verbal encouragement can produce greater positive effects than teacher verbal encouragement in terms of offensive performance.

Effect of Verbal Encouragement on Performance and Affective Responses in Male Sport Science Students during Sprint Modalities

“…These findings suggest that VETS can motivate students to put forth their best effort and show a strong commitment to participating in physical activity. This finding is consistent with prior research demonstrating that athletes’ physical performance is enhanced by a sports teacher’s or coach’s VE [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 14 , 19 ]. For example, Edwards et al [ 33 ] indicated that VE inspired by participants, could improve their anaerobic exercise performance.…”

“…Other explanations have reported the advantages of VE for athletic performance could be attributed to the delayed afferent signals associated with neurological fatigue, which improved force production [ 11 , 12 ], increased arousal [ 10 ], and promoted positive mood [ 5 ]. VE, therefore, presents an interesting tool for motivating students and involving them more in exercise and in the motor skills [ 1 , 2 , 13 , 14 ].…”

Effects of coach-delivered verbal encouragement on the physiological and psychological responses of adolescent players in small-sided basketball games

“…Further research has consistently shown that VE has a positive impact on the psychological state of athletes. This effect enhances their selfconfidence, motivation and con-centration during training and competition ( Selmi et al, 2017 ; Aydi et al, 2022 ; Sahli et al, 2023 ).…”

“…Additionally, employing positive verbal encouragement in communication contributes to cultivating a supportive team environment, thereby enhancing collaboration, cohesion, and overall team performance.” Considering their capacity to simultaneously promote the development of muscular, physiological, and technical-tactical qualities essential for competitiveness, prior studies have suggested that SSGs emerge as a notably valuable training technique in basketball ( Clemente et al, 2020 ). Utilizing positive verbal encouragement in communication plays a pivotal role in fostering a supportive team environment, thereby reinforcing collaboration, cohesion and overall team performance ( Sahli et al, 2023 ).…”

Exploring the impact of verbal encouragement on strength, endurance, and psychophysiological responses: enhancing teaching strategies in sports science education

“…The impact of VE extends beyond the individual athlete to team dynamics ( 15 – 17 ). Effective communication through positive VE fosters a supportive team environment, enhancing collaboration, cohesion, and overall team performance ( 15 ).…”