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Precision or adaptability? Contrasting effects of linear and non-linear pedagogy models in handball instruction
Sebastián Espoz-Lazo1, Masoud Rahmati Arani2, Claudio Hinojosa-Torres3
1Facultad de Educación, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Introduction:
Research in physical education increasingly compares linear and non-linear teaching for invasion games. The present study examined how these frameworks affect technical execution and game-based decision-making in handball.
Methods:
A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest study (5 weeks) assigned students to a Linear model (progressive, repetitive practice) or to Non-Linear Pedagogy (ecological dynamics, task representativeness). Technical skills were measured with the Zinn Handball Skills Battery and the Johanson Ability Test; tactical performance with the Game Performance Assessment Instrument in representative scenarios. Inter-rater reliability was established among independent observers.
Results:
Both groups improved technical execution from pre- to post-test. The Linear group showed greater gains in precision-based tasks (passing, shooting), whereas the Non-Linear group improved more in tactical dimensions (decision-making, off-the-ball support). ANOVA indicated significant main effects of time but no group × time interaction; intra- and inter-group contrasts revealed differentiated developmental patterns.
Discussion:
Findings suggest complementary strengths: linear instruction favors technical refinement, whereas non-linear approaches promote adaptability, perception-action coupling, and context-sensitive responses.
Conclusion:
Educators should adopt flexible, learner-centred programming integrating both models to align with learners' developmental needs.
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