Individual and combined effects of instruction and demonstration on tactical development in physical education

Abstract

This study explores the individual and combined effects of verbal instruction and practical demonstration on the development of tactical skills in secondary school students during Physical Education classes. Thirty-three participants, aged 16–21, were randomly divided into three groups: the Instruction Group (IG), the Demonstration Group (DG), and the Instruction + Demonstration Group (IDG). Tactical performance was assessed using the Game Performance Assessment Instrument (GPAI) before and after a korfball intervention. Results showed IG had the best overall performance, except for game involvement, while DG demonstrated significant improvements in tactical indices. The IDG displayed higher engagement but lower tactical skill outcomes, suggesting that while both instruction and demonstration enhance performance, their combination may not always yield superior results. The structured verbal guidance provided by the IG appears to enhance the coherence of tactical decision-making, whereas the DG’s emphasis on visual modeling contributes to improved motor skill execution. However, the engagement levels observed in the IDG group underscore the motivational advantages of integrating instructional approaches, despite the absence of significant improvements in tactical performance. These findings emphasize the importance of tailoring strategies to students’ skill levels, particularly for less-experienced learners, by combining verbal and visual methods for consistent progress. The effectiveness of each approach may depend on prior knowledge, experience, and adaptability to instructional methods. Future research should explore the continuous application of these methodologies throughout lessons to maximize learning. Additionally, investigating adaptive feedback mechanisms, different instructional sequencing, and long-term effects of these approaches could further enhance skill acquisition and tactical understanding in Physical Education.