Abstract:

This study aimed to analyze the effect of the 8-week swimming training applied to secondary school students on their motor skills and 50-meter freestyle swimming ratings. 24 students having swimming license in the age range of 11 to 14 participated in the study voluntarily. Munich fitness test (MFT) protocol was used to determine the motor skill levels of the athletes, and 50-meter freestyle swimming ratings were used to determine the swimming performances. According to the test of normality results, it was determined that the data collected had a normal distribution. Paired samples t-test was used to determine the difference between the MFT pre-test and post-test. According to the statistical analysis results, a significant difference in favor of the post-test was determined in Goal Throwing, Flexibility, Flexed Arm Hanging, Step Test, MFT total score and 50-meter swimming ratings of the participants. It is believed that the swimming training applied to the students improved their swimming performances and motor skill levels. It may be recommended that swimming exercises, as well as other factors, should be used in the cases where it is desired to improve children’s motor skills.

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