The Level of Effective Communication and Its Relationship with the Skill Performance of Offensive Skills in Fencing among Third-Year Students
Main Article Content
Abstract
The present study examined the relationship between effective instructional communication and offensive skill performance within a university fencing context. A descriptive correlational design was employed, and the sample consisted of 200 third-year students enrolled in the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at Al-Mustansiriyah University. Data were collected using a standardized communication scale adapted for educational and sport settings and a structured performance evaluation form assessing core offensive actions, including direct attacks, feints, and counter-attacks. Statistical analysis relied on descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation coefficient to explore the association between study variables. The findings demonstrated that instructional environments characterized by clarity of explanation, purposeful interaction, timely responsiveness, and high-quality feedback were associated with more efficient motor execution and greater consistency in offensive skill performance. Effective communication appeared to facilitate learners’ understanding of technical requirements, support error correction processes, and enhance coordination and timing during performance. Furthermore, interactive instructional practices promoted higher levels of engagement and self-regulation, which are essential for mastering complex combat sport skills at the university level. These results highlight the pedagogical value of communication as an integral component of skill development rather than a supplementary instructional factor. These insights support pedagogical improvement in university fencing education.
Downloads
Article Details

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
References
Benjaminse, A., Welling, W., Otten, B., & Gokeler, A. (2017). Novel methods of instruction in motor learning: Differential learning and constraints-led approaches. Sports Medicine, 47(4), 725–734.
Chiviacowsky, S., Wulf, G., & Lewthwaite, R. (2014). Self-controlled learning: The importance of protecting perceptions of competence. Frontiers in Psychology, 5, 458.
Choi, H., Johnson, B., & Kim, J. (2020). Feedback timing and motor skill learning in complex sports tasks. Journal of Motor Learning and Development, 8(2), 256–270.
Hattie, J., & Timperley, H. (2007). The power of feedback. Review of Educational Research, 77(1), 81–112.
Herz, B. K. (2024). Communication dynamics in sport pedagogy: Implications for skill acquisition. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 29(1), 1–15.
Karina, M., López, A., & Sánchez, R. (2024). Instructor–student interaction and performance outcomes in university sport education. European Journal of Sport Science, 24(2), 213–222.
Liu, Y., & Hodgins, J. K. (2018). Skill transfer and feedback mechanisms in human motor learning. Human Movement Science, 61, 168–179.
McDermott, B. (2018). Tactical awareness and instructional communication in combat sports. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 13(3), 456–465.
Rink, J. E. (2014). Teaching physical education for learning (7th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2020). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. Springer.
Schmidt, R. A., & Lee, T. D. (2011). Motor control and learning: A behavioral emphasis (5th ed.). Human Kinetics.
Turner, A. P., & Martinek, T. J. (2018). An investigation into teaching and learning practices in physical education. European Physical Education Review, 24(2), 179–195.
Vives, L., González, M., & Serra, P. (2025). Pedagogical communication and decision-making in fencing performance. Journal of Sports Sciences, 43(3), 289–298.
Wallhead, T., Hastie, P., & Casey, A. (2021). Models-based practice and student engagement in physical education. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 40(2), 231–243.
Williams, A. M., & Hodges, N. J. (2005). Practice, instruction, and skill acquisition in soccer: Challenging tradition. Journal of Sports Sciences, 23(6), 637–650.
Wulf, G., & Lewthwaite, R. (2016). Optimizing performance through intrinsic motivation and attention for learning. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 23(5), 1382–1414.