| Paper title: |
Effectiveness of relay races and movement games in developing speed in beginner students |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.4316/SAM.2026.0117 |
| Published in: | Volume XIX issue 1/ 2026 |
| Publishing date: | 2026 |
| Pages: | 155-163 |
| Author(s): | Moroşan Ovidiu Marius
Vizitiu Lakhdari Elena |
| Abstract. | Speed is one of the fundamental motor qualities that plays a decisive role in athletic performance and physical education. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of relay races and movement games in improving speed among beginner high school students practicing athletics. The research involved 15 beginner students (11 boys and 4 girls), aged 14–15 years, who participated in a structured experimental program conducted over 14 weeks, with five training sessions per week. The intervention integrated relay races, movement games, sprint exercises, and reaction-based activities specifically designed to develop reaction speed, acceleration, and running speed. Participants were evaluated before and after the intervention using three performance tests: the 30 m sprint, the 50 m sprint, and a reaction speed test. The collected data were processed using descriptive statistical methods to compare the initial and final performances. The results indicated significant improvements in all evaluated speed parameters, confirming the effectiveness of the proposed training program. The findings suggest that relay races and movement games represent attractive and efficient pedagogical tools for developing speed while increasing students’ motivation, active participation, and engagement in athletics lessons. Therefore, these methods can be successfully integrated into physical education classes and beginner athletics training programs to optimize motor performance. |
| Keywords: | relay races; movement games; speed development; beginner students; athletics; physical education. |
| References: |
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