Coach encouragement feedback during circuit training: is it possible to increase the fitness, grit and technical demands of youth sepak takraw athletes?

This study aims to investigate the impact of coach encouragement feedback circuit training (CEFCT) on the level of fitness, grit, and technical performance of youth sepak takraw athletes. A randomised control trial (RCT) design during 8 weeks was adopted. There were 80 young male sepak takraw athletes allocated into two groups: the CEFCT group (n = 40, 17.4 ± 1.22 years) and the control group (CG, n = 40, 17.5 ± 1.24 years). Paired sample t-test showed significant differences in fitness, grit and technical performance in CEFCT (all, p < .05) and CG (all, p < .05) from pre-test until post-test. In the 2-way ANOVA repeated measures test, we observed a significant time effect on physical fitness (all p < .05), along with a group effect (p < .05); however, there was no effect on the CMJ parameter (p > .05). Moreover, there was an interaction time * group in some parameters (p < .05), but it was not found in 10-mST (p > .05). At the same time, we found a time effect on grit (all, p < .05), but no difference in the group effect (all, p > .05). Furthermore, there was a time * group interaction on grit-maintaining interest (MI) (p < 005), but it was not found in grit-continuing efforts (CE) (p > .05). Finally, we found that there was an effect of time (all, p < .05) simultaneously with group (all, p < .05), but there was no time * group interaction (all, p > .05). The coach must apply encouragement during the circuit to increase the level of physical fitness, grit and technical performance of youth sepak takraw athletes.