The Effect of The Direct Play Learning Method Using Educational Aids in Developing the Zone Defense of the Players of the Third- Rusafa Education Handball team

Abstract

The defensive skill in handball is one of the most important basic skills, as through it the team’s goal is defended, and the team whose members possess good defensive skill in addition to good attack can meet the requirements of the game in a better way, through possession of the ball, which enables its members to organize a quick attack. Defense has other positive functions and goals, including trying to possess the ball to start attacking stages and operations. Therefore, a good team can be inferred through the ability of its members to perform this skill correctly. Hence, the importance of research in using the direct playing style using auxiliary means in developing the defense of the area for handball players of the third-Rusafa Education team. The researcher used the experimental method appropriate to the nature of the problem to be solved because the problem is what determines the method used to obtain accurate information and results. The research community, represented by the players of the Baghdad Rusafa Education teams (first, second, third), numbering (90) players, and the research sample was chosen by lottery, represented by the players of the Baghdad Rusafa Education team, third, numbering (90) players.  Their number is (30) players, with a percentage of (33.33%). The results of the study showed the presence of statistically significant differences between the pre- and post-measurements in favor of the post-measurement in the performance of the skill of defending the zone among handball players, which indicates the effectiveness of the direct play learning method using auxiliary means in developing this skill. As for the conclusions, the players showed a noticeable improvement in the performance of defensive skills related to defending the zone, especially in the rapid transition between defensive positions and covering spaces. The auxiliary educational means enhanced the cognitive-motor understanding, as they helped to deliver training concepts in a simplified and interactive manner. Integrating direct play into the training units contributed to creating a stimulating educational environment that increased the players’ motivation to participate and interact during performance. As for the recommendations, adopting the direct play learning method as an effective training strategy in training the emerging and middle age groups in handball, due to its positive impact on developing performance, integrating modern educational means (such as interactive devices, smart goals, and analytical video) within the training content, to increase the effectiveness of the training units, and training the trainers. Teachers and educators design training units that integrate direct play with skill-based objectives to ensure the desired results are achieved.