The Effect of Cross-Court Training On Increasing The Accuracy of Table Tennis Forehand Drive Strikes In Batanghari Athletes Aged 15-17 Years

This study aimed to examine the effect of cross-court training on improving the accuracy of table tennis forehand drive strokes in Batanghari athletes aged 15–17 years. The research employed a quantitative experimental approach using a one-group pretest–posttest design, which allows for direct comparison of performance before and after the intervention. The population consisted of all Batanghari table tennis athletes (n = 33), from which 11 athletes were selected as samples using purposive sampling based on predefined criteria, including age range, active participation in regular training, and absence of injury. The research instrument was a forehand drive accuracy test, in which each athlete performed 50 strokes directed toward a designated diagonal target area on the opponent’s table. The intervention consisted of cross-court training conducted over 16 training sessions with a frequency of three sessions per week, designed to enhance directional control, coordination, and stroke consistency. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics through a paired sample t-test with the aid of SPSS version 26.0. The results revealed a significant improvement in forehand drive accuracy following the training intervention. The pretest mean score was 32.00 ± 1.897, while the posttest mean score increased to 35.45 ± 1.695, indicating a mean improvement of 3.45 points. Hypothesis testing showed a significance value of p < 0.001 (p = 0.000), confirming that the improvement was statistically significant. In conclusion, cross-court training has a significant positive effect on enhancing the accuracy of table tennis forehand drive strokes in athletes aged 15–17 years. These findings support the use of cross-court training as an effective and practical method in youth table tennis coaching programs, particularly for developing technical accuracy and stroke consistency.