by
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamad Nizam Mohamed Shapie
Leader, Combat Sports & Martial Arts Research Network (AIRBORNE)
Faculty of Sports Science & Recreation, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)
Name of Research:
Physical Performance Needs in Silat Olahraga: A Coaching Perspective to Establish Plyometric Training in Silat
Citations:
Shapie, M. N. M., Al-Syurgawi, D., Samsudin, H., Nazri, S. M., & Nawai, N. S. (2022). Jurnal Performa Olahraga, 7(2), 90–97. DOI: 10.24036/363019
Purpose of the Study:
To identify the physical performance needs of Silat Olahraga athletes and propose plyometric training as a targeted method to enhance key fitness components such as power, agility, cardiovascular endurance, and muscular strength.
Key Findings:
- Silat Olahraga Demands:
- Requires high repetition of short-term, explosive movements.
- Tactical success depends on rapid offensive and defensive actions like dodging, kicking, and counterattacking.
- Main Physical Performance Needs:
- Power:
- Essential for kicking, dodging, and explosive movements.
- Plyometric training enhances anaerobic power, especially in the lower limbs.
- Agility:
- Crucial for evasive maneuvers like “elakan” (dodging).
- Plyometric drills mimic Silat movement patterns and improve directional changes.
- Cardiovascular Endurance:
- Supports recovery between rounds and maintains anaerobic capacity.
- Important for sustaining performance over three 3-minute rounds.
- Muscular Strength:
- Vital for executing techniques like “sapuan” (sweep), “jatuhan” (topple), and “tendangan” (kick).
- Strong lower-body strength contributes to scoring and defensive effectiveness.
- Power:
- Plyometric Training Benefits:
- Enhances vertical jump, acceleration, proprioception, and neuromuscular reactivity.
- Recommended 6–8 week cycles, 2–3 sessions per week, with progressive intensity.
Practical Implications for Silat:
- Plyometric training should be integrated into Silat Olahraga programmes to improve explosive power and agility.
- Coaches can use movement-specific plyometric drills to simulate real match scenarios.
- Plyometric training complements conventional Silat routines and addresses gaps in physical conditioning.
- This approach supports scientific periodization and evidence-based coaching for elite Silat athletes.
Tips for Application:
Athletes:
- Include plyometric drills such as jump squats, box jumps, and directional hops in weekly training.
- Focus on lower limb strength and agility to improve match performance.
Parents:
- Understand the importance of physical conditioning in Silat.
- Support training programmes that include modern sports science methods.
Coaches:
- Design plyometric modules tailored to Silat techniques.
- Monitor athlete fatigue and recovery to prevent overtraining.
- Use agility tests (e.g., hexagon or 3-directional jump) to assess progress.
